Koodalmanikyam Manikyan - My Creatives - Malayala Manorama Dt. 26.04.2010

My Creatives - Koodalmanikyam Manikyan - Malayala Manorama Dt. 26.04.2010

Indian president arrives on first state visit to UAE - My Comments - THE NATIONAL - Dt 22 Nov 2010

My Comments - THE NATIONAL - Dt 22 Nov 2010 - Indian president arrives on first state visit to UAE

Dear Sirs,

Yesterday night, I saw a beautiful dream while sleeping. The excitement brought out by the elaborate arrangement being carried out by all to welcome the President of India after 7 years was there in my mind before going to sleep. I was thinking of the various landmark improvements that could come along with this visit that is taking place immediately after India being branded “as a nation that has arrived” amongst the pioneers by the US President. Yes, after a period of recession, India is coming out high in terms of progressive measures as a nation of importance and UAE, confidently emerging with it’s economic and administrative capabilities as a regional leader of significance. The visit is thus significant and I was in a high and my dream evolved. Yes, I was seeing numerous scenarios, as in a movie. First and foremost was the journey from our port of exits to UAE. Air India flying on time and that too on a regular basis at an economical and competitive rate and service standards competing with other airlines of the region. At the lounge I could see numerous politician and government dignitaries on official mission using the services of Air India rather than opting for other airlines. I was surprised first, but then came to know the new reformist and progressive measure by the government (in my dream!). The airline is running on loss anyway and thus instructions to all government representatives to opt for the airline to serve their travel needs have done magic as the airline now fly on time and with quality value. At the exit lounge I could see a computerized desk manned by personnel of the Human Resources Development Ministry taking a simple exit survey of the passengers traveling on work and leisure. They were gathering relevant information, which then were being relayed to the respective Embassy offices to update their residents on board data register in each gulf country. Interestingly, this desk was maintained with utmost efficiency that it was proving more than a help desk to numerous working class people who were exiting the country for jobs they knew or not. They were identifying those who were being taken wrongly and guiding them the right of course of action according to the problem they identified. Well, so far so good, I turned to the other side thinking of what next. And my screen moved to a sprawling university complex, where I could see the IITs and All India Institute of Medical Sciences extending it’s branches to the UAE. I could see both local and resident Indian students competing with each other to imbibe and share the educational expertise of our pioneer institutions at an affordable price, without leaving UAE after school years. On stretching, I could also see schools and universities in India teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies and Arts to know more about them and understand and educate the historic importance they carry to the modern day youth. Trrrnnggg, my alarm bell rang, well my dream interrrupted, and there were many more items to be seen and wished for. Not bad, as an ordinary Indian, without any political or business interest, my movie has been an interesting one, covering some of the basics requirements like economically viable and punctual transportation to and from my home country to my home away from home, increased educational facilities for my children, and safe and secure working environment for me and my fellow Indians and overall welfare of our families back home. I am thankful that I work in the UAE where all my interests are well protected and I look forward to the add-on’s that could materialize from this historic visit by the 12th and first lady president of the Republic of India Her Excellency Prathibha Devisingh Patil to the UAE.

Regards,

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 25.12.2010 - Pleasant Journey

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 25.12.2010 - Pleasant Journey

Short Take: Pleasant journey
December 25, 2010

WE have reached almost the end of 2010. It was an eventful year considering the economic situation and progress made with limited resources. Those who held on to their hopes and dreams and progressed even an inch have to really congratulate themselves. It requires lot of determination and self-motivation. I salute all those who did it.

I was at a HSE campaign recently. We were segregating waste materials and each one had his own task to do. I was observing a little boy and his father. The boy was very particular in not mixing plastic with paper. He was saying, “Dad, if we mix it, it is not good for the environment. It has to be properly recycled. That’s what my teacher has told us in our class.” I was happy to hear him promoting HSE in his own small way.

Christmas and New Year have brought lot of visitors to the UAE this year. It is a promising sign to see the tourism industry and the business in this region flourishing. It brings hope to all that the economy will revive in 2011 and all those who suffered in some way or other due to the impact of recession will have reasons to smile in the new year and days ahead.

It has been an enjoyable journey for me with Short Take. Each week I had a set objective to look forward to, identify a small happening around and describe it in a friendly way for the benefit of those who love to read.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 24.12.2010 - Baggage allowance

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 24.12.2010 - Baggage allowance

Baggage allowance

Congratulations to Etihad Airways for being named the world’s leading airline for the second consecutive year at a travel industry event.

Etihad Airways now flies to many destinations from Abu Dhabi. Several new destinations, including those in South India, are being added in the near future.

A unified and standard 40 kilogram baggage allowance to all Indian destinations is a common wish-list among the passengers from Abu Dhabi. To travel by [Etihad] will then be a privilege for all to fly from Abu Dhabi, by the capital’s own airlines, from its state-of-the-art airport facilities.

I request Etihad Airways to kindly consider more baggage options on their flights to all Indian destinations alike.

It will also be a good idea for the airlines to partner with major electronic companies and shopping malls and provide special baggage vouchers on transportation of electronic appliances such as television.

This scheme will give a much required boost to revive the consumer sector.

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

Mr Hareb Al Muhairi, VP Sales UAE, Etihad Airways, responds:

Many thanks for your congratulations on Etihad winning the “World’s Leading Airline” award for the second year in a row.

Etihad continually looks to add new and innovative features to enhance the travel experience for our customers.

These features currently include online check-in and self check-in at Abu Dhabi airport.
We also recently launched our “India Connect” scheme for members of our Etihad Guest programme travelling to and from India.

India Connect has a range of partners in India and around the world, who provide special offers for members of the scheme.

These partners include restaurants, hotels, retail chains, telecommunications services and financial service providers.

In terms of baggage allowances, this is a key commercial aspect of the airline industry and needs to be managed carefully. That said, the levels Etihad offers customers in all our cabins are among the highest in the industry.

Mr Menon responds:

I thank the management of Etihad for their response. I look forward to their extended effort to give more baggage allowance, than the existing 23 kilograms, to passengers [flying] to Indian destinations so that more families can opt for flying out from Abu Dhabi.
It is the major detrimental factor when travelling during holidays as a family or for that matter as a group with luggage for a long stay.

Gulf News’ intervention has highlighted this issue and I hope that the management of Etihad will consider this important factor in their scope for improvement for passenger comfort and convenience to attract more business to Etihad as well as Abu Dhabi airport.

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Readers Picture of the Day - GULF NEWS - Dt. 22.12.2010 - Time to Work

Readers Picture of the Day - GULF NEWS - Dt. 22.12.2010 - Time to Work

This is a picture I took and submitted to Gulf News recently. It was taken when I was driving from Kerala to Bangalore via Mangalore. This coastal area, Murudeswar, is a beautiful place and  were fisherman and at that time I saw the fisherman preparing to go to sea.


Photography gives me great relief to unwind, relax and then prepare myself for the routine/or unplanned task ahead in my daytoday life.

It is a way of looking things in the most beautiful way it can ever get projected.

My Letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 21.12.2010 - Community Service

My Letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 21.12.2010 - Community Service

Community service
It is extremely encouraging to see women walking away with most of the prizes in the community report competition ("Making a difference in people's lives", Gulf News, December 15). I am sure the interest generated by this special page in Gulf News will make sure that this trend continues with more efficiency. It should be part of our daily commitment to support the administrative system by effectively notifying them about the discrepancies and shortfalls and providing solutions, without unwarranted criticism. Women and children have a bigger role to play in the improvement of things happening around and let this be inspiration for many more to step in without inhibition. All the four reporters and their reports were excellent and aptly intended to benefit the community they live in. I have to specially congratulate Ms Vamika Bajaj on her activities, promoting education amongst ordinary workers and highlighting it for the knowledge and participation of many like-minded individuals. I hope she did get the necessary support she was looking for by way of this report.

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 18.12.2010 - Mobile Affinity

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 18.12.2010 - Mobile Affinity

Mobile affinity

I was recently on a visit to Kerala. It was raining heavily. As I had to go to a forest area, I decided not to carry my regular mobile phone, which had all my telephone contacts. On my way back, I witnessed an accident and suddenly felt the need to contact someone to alert about the incident.

It was at that moment I realised that in my temporary phone I did not have any contacts synchronised. I hardly remembered any required number. Luckily, I was able to remember the number of a friend in Abu Dhabi and conveyed the message and he, in turn, sent an SMS with the required contact numbers. His xtimely assistance helped me take the necessary action I wanted to.

Back in Abu Dhabi, on the first day itself, I happened to assist a colleague who lost his office key while he went out. He had two mobiles and both the phones were on his table, when he went outside for a quick task. His plight was worse as he did not remember even his own office emergency contact number. Luckily, things were sorted out quickly and he was able to recover the phones.

After these two incidents, it made me think and realise strongly, the more mobile we become, the more immobile we end up with. Whatever programming or systematic organising we do, the old book and paper system of recording is at times necessary for important matters.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

For the benefit of those who are visiting Sabarimala this season- if possible, please avoid Swami Ayyapan Road if it is raining

For the benefit of those who are visiting Sabarimala this season- if possible, please avoid Swami Ayyapan road if it is raining

During a short visit to Kerala, utilising the UAE National Holidays, I had the privilege to visit Sabarimala Temple for a quick darshan. I used to visit the temple every year till 1995 and it was after a long gap, I was able to make a trip to this very important temple and have darshan of Swami Ayyappa. Although, I used to take the 41 days religious rituals during this season, somehow or other visiting the temple eluded from me till this year, which I used to diligent perform from a very small age till the visit in '95. It was all sudden and as it turned out, and as those who came along with me and all others who were present there conveyed, it was a call on duty with a divine purpose.

Kindly view and listen to the Community Report in full at Mathrubhumi online, please click here

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/cj/videogallery.php?id=7447

During a short visit to Kerala, utilising the UAE National Holidays, I had the privilege to visit Sabarimala Temple for a quick darshan. I used to visit the temple every year till 1995 and it was after a long gap, I was able to make a trip to this very important temple and have darshan of Swami Ayyappa. Although, I used to take the 41 days religious rituals during this season, somehow or other visiting the temple eluded from me till this year. It was all sudden and as it turned out, and as those who came along with me and all others who were there mentioned that this unplanned visit, especially the descend from sannidhanam to pampa was planned by Swami Ayyappa. The road was extremely dangerous, and since I was not in touch with anyone with regards to the conditions prevailing, and also the fact that there was a kanni ayyappa (who was visiting sabarimala for the first time), I opted to take Swami Ayyappan road, to show the way. As we moved down, it was like, one of the dangerous steps I took in my life. The person who was along with me was aged and found the slippery road too difficult. To add to our woes, there were continuous stream of heavily loaded tractors driving upwards to sannidhanam along with donkeys loaded with goods, and dolly (manual carts in which elderly or physically challenged are carried on shoulders to sannidhanam). The rush upwards was heavy on that day and then the police personnel diverted all those who were coming down to use this road making it really busy.

Everyone who used this road, used the same path and as we moved on, it became more and more difficult and the steep descend for us were equally or more steep for the fully loaded tractors. Any moment a devotee or a donkey cross in front of these tractors, these drivers were left with no option to control the vehicle and hold it without coming down. The wheels rotating and the muddy road with intermittent rain, made it skid and move towards the pilgrims, and all those behind it.

After seeing two such occasions, I couldn’t resist myself from highlighting this issue, as I found no police personnel, no ayyappa seva sangam volunteers or any other helping hands to rescue or direct those affected from this dangerous situations.

The following self explanatory pictures are added with brief narrations for the benefit of better understanding the situation I witnessed.

Rush of pilgrims on that day at Sabarimala

Swami Ayyappan Road - pilgrims descending down to Pampa rush towards any available space as they listen to the sound of horns of the arriving tractor. The space is just enough for a tractor, with loads on both side to pass, with difficulty.

You may see those workers carrying heavy load on their head also resorting to climb upstairs, either wait or continue walk till the tractor pass by.

Here comes a heavily loaded tractor

And here descends a tractor. If you notice, the driver is standing, may be literally on the breaks to control the vehicle to a stop, on the slippery conditions.

This poor driver had to apply break at the corner, eventhough he had continuously alerted those coming down with whistle and horn, someone ran in front and had to apply the break. For nearly 15 minutes, for all those watching from the side and upstairs, it was life and death situation for the driver and for all those behind, as he had absolutely no control on the vehicle as it continued to come down.

Left with few contact numbers that came to my mind, I called up Amrita TV team in UAE, who in turn informed the reporters stationed at Sabarimala and captured the scene. Calls to Mathrubhumi helped me to get the direct number of Kerala Chief Minister Sri V S Achuthanandan and his Personal Assistant , after listening to me from the location, requested me to appraise the situation to the Devaswom Minister. A call to his office and talk with his Personal Assistant, I was assured, necessary measures will be taken with immediate effect.

Upon return, I thought of highlighting it further and a timely video news coverage on Amrita TV channel and a Community Journalism Video report in Mathrubhumi online and a few emails to concerned authorities have made sure that the road conditions prevailing at Swami Ayyappan road will be improved for the benefit of devotees visiting Sabarimala this season and in future.

I thank all concerned especially Amrita TV team at Abu Dhabi and Sannidhanam and Mathrubhumi Online team for timely assistance and willingness shown to highlight this problem with importance.

As satisfying it may be for a person who value the safety of those around and also from a Non-Resident Indian working in the gulf who rarely get to see heavy rain, it started raining heavily as we drove away from Pampa. I enjoyed the rain, heavy rain, and all along was thinking of the thousands of devotees who were either climbing up or down, or stationed at Sannidhanam and Pampa.


With this community report, I kindly request those who read to circulate it amongst those who benefit from it on the dangers of using this road, when it is raining, and till the time the authorities define appropriate safety measures, for the tractor drivers, the dolly operators, the donkey operators and the poor animals and of course thousands of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala this season.


I also:


- request the authorities to kindly install necessary sign boards informing devotees not to rush and run down on the slopes as it is dangerous for them as well as those elderly or children who may be on their way.


- request the authorities to kindly place necessary police and ayyappa seva sangam volunteers on Swami Ayyappan Road to control the smooth passage of devotees and load carrying vehicles or animals till the time appropriate measures are in place for improved safety.


- request the authorities to kindly install ropes or other type of support system for devotees to hold and grip while they descend, especially on the numerous shortcuts which are extremely dangerous, and deceptive.


- although a repeat, I humbly request all young and regular devotees to patiently descend without rushing, as it is extremely dangerous for all those who use the same road for journey up and down.

More to be done and my personal efforts in this will be continued in this direction in the near future.

Ramesh Menon,
Abu Dhabi
12.12.2010

Latest update as on 15.12.2010

The above is the print screen shot of a news reported in Manorama Newspaper online and print dated 15.12.2010.  Kerala Government have now approved a 5.5 crore budget to increase the width of the road from present 3.5m to 5 mts and build a wall on the dangerous edges enroute this road. There are plans to have additional or sufficient path for walking. It will be a concrete road. Since any expenditure above 10 lakhs needs special permission from an ombudsman and his approval is required, the proposal will be submitted to him shortly by the concerned authorities. I sincerely hope this will be approved and the road work will get done before the next Sabarimala Season.

Community Report - GULF NEWS - Dt. 06.12.2010 - A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi

Community Report - GULF NEWS - Dt. 06.12.2010 - A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi

Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon proposed the installation of notice boards around the city, in order to discourage residents from pasting ads on building walls, bus stops and other areas.

Image Credit: Ramesh Menon/Gulf News reader

• A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi

 Municipality could install notice boards at prominent places and charge fee

In recent times, the authorities have come up with various initiatives to keep Abu Dhabi's streets neat and clean. These include action against putting up posters and littering.

Sticking posters on walls and public bus stops has been an issue that spoils the image of cities all around the UAE. Motivated by the authorities' new initiatives, I went around Abu Dhabi and decided to highlight a few cases.

I found that putting up bills and posters is not a one-off issue. They are pasted in all possible places at junctions and areas frequented by the public. A closer look brought out the content of most of the posters on display. They are either rooms for rent, tuitions or baby sitting jobs that are available.

This shows the need for a common, convenient and economic platform for the public who wish to advertise locally.

The same platform could also be used as an advertisement board to exhibit what is happening locally, within a short time frame.

Through this community report, I therefore call on the municipality and development departments to install simple notice boards at prominent corners in each neighbourhood.

People who wish to advertise could then do so after paying a fixed amount to the municipality or relevant authority. Inspectors could then monitor and also penalise those who post indiscriminately in non-designated places and spoil the beauty of our city.

A section of these notice boards could be used to post advertisements of programmes happening within the city, organised by the authorities as well as private parties. This option would bring in added revenue.

I sincerely hope this proposed system would help reduce the problem.

The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi

Be a citizen reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Write to us and send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 04.12.2010 - On 'write' path

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 04.12.2010 - On 'write' path

On ‘write’ path

I was with a friend the other day. As we walked discussing several topics, we passed a post box. Suddenly, our topic changed to the tradition and forgotten art of letter writing.

It is Christmas and New Year time and we remembered and talked to each other about the olden days when we used to anxiously wait for the greetings from relatives and friends. Those days have gone and the tradition is already extinct.

What made me interested was the fact he told me about his parents. For the past 20 years, he regularly writes to them every week. Once in a month, he takes a demand draft for their monthly expenses and posts it along with a small note discussing the small things happening with him and at the same time curiously asking what’s happening in their world.

This happens without fail, even though he calls them frequently. He was telling me how happy his parents were when they received his letter and when he gets their thank-you note acknowledging and detailing the smaller things, which gets past their usual phone calls.

I wish I could emulate him. I am sure many others who read this will also envy him.

Ramesh Menon

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 27.11.2010 - Creative Kids

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 27.11.2010 - Creative Kids

Creative kids

This was a busy week in which the UAE witnessed the visit of Indian President Prathibha Devising Patil.

A few days prior to her visit, Nov.14 to celebrate Children’s Day, a painting competition was organised by the Cultural Wing of the India Embassy. The event was held at Abu Dhabi Indian School. About 1,400 children from various schools in the UAE participated in this well organised event.

The senior participants were to choose any of the four themes - children of the world, save the girl child, the independence movement and the joys of childhood. Grades 1 to 4 pupils were given the themes of “Chacha Nehru” and “my school.” What made interesting insight into this event was the way the organisers made sure to make the children feel the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru. Those children who participated in the event thoroughly enjoyed it as they were well taken care of during the event.

Interests in non-performing arts like painting, drawing and writing give opportunity for children to express their mind and thoughts in simpler ways. Any given opportunity to conduct and showcase such talents should never be missed.

According to the organisers, the painting competition would be conducted every year.

One interesting factor came out of this competition was the fact that out of the 12 winners, 11 were girls and there was only one boy amongst the winners. Sunrise English Private School Abu Dhabi (4 prizes) came out with maximum winners followed by Abu Dhabi Indian School (3 prizes) and Delhi Private School Dubai (2 prizes). Delhi Private School Sharjah, St Joseph School Abu Dhabi and Gulf Asian School Sharjah bagged one price each.

An icing on the cake for the winners was that the Indian president distributed the prizes during her visit to Abu Dhabi Indian School.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

A historic visit could lead to improvements - My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 24.11.2010

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 24.11.2010 - A historic visit could lead to improvements

A historic visit could lead to improvements
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2010


Regarding US and India a defining partnership this century (November 8): I was thinking of the various landmark improvements that could come along with this visit after India was branded "a nation that has arrived" by the US president Barack Obama.

Yes, after a period of recession, India is coming out as a nation of importance. The UAE is also confidently emerging with economic and administrative capabilities as a regional leader of significance.

There are a few concrete steps India could take to improve its services. Air India could become more efficient and upgrade its quality in order to compete with other airlines. Exit surveys of passengers could be taken to update traveller information and improve the quality of service.

Universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences could also extend its branches to the UAE. Indian residents and international students could thus compete with each other without having to leave the Emirates. There could also be schools and universities in India teaching Arabic, Islamic studies and Islamic arts.

Such basics requirements - economically viable and punctual transportation, increased educational facilities, and a safe and secure working environment - are but some improvements that would capture the spirit of Mr Obama's remarks.

I am thankful that I work in the UAE, where all my interests are well protected. I look forward to the add-ons that could further materialise from this historic visit.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Doing our bit - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010

My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010 - Doing our bit
23 November 2010

This is in reference to a recent letter requesting the travellers to keep the visa page open while they queue for immigration at the airports. Travellers should be familiar with their passport entries like any addition of information, special endorsements and of course the page number on which visa is stamped for entry.

Immigration officers have a standard procedure of scanning through all the relevant details starting from the main page and may have queries in case any additional updates or amendments have been made in the passport.

Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the visa page open before meeting the officer.

He/she should be aware of the pages and entries in his/her and the family’s passport. This in turn will also help the officer as well as other passenger gain a speedier clearance.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 20.11.2010 - Helping Hand

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 20.11.2010 - Helping Hand

Helping hand

Last week was significant for sports lovers, especially in the UAE. The first-ever test cricket match played in UAE ended in a draw. More significantly, the 2nd edition of the F1 championship produced the youngest winner in a thrilling final.

These sports events were keenly watched by many and what made me as an interesting spectator of the thrilling finish at Yas Marina was the gesture by Sebastian Vettel, after halting his car.

Accepting the applause from the spectators he came out and kissed his car, laying his head on the tyres and the machine. It showed in one way or another man’s acceptance to the kindness of blessings from a super natural being to succeed in life, and keep all options and equipment accurate and running perfectly till any race we run is completed.

This also brings out another interesting event happened in my life last week. An organisation was changing their computer system and were left with 27 CPUs in good condition.

As the units were new and in good condition, they wanted to sell it for a nominal cost and suddenly one of their staff knew about me and my social connections and called me. I was happy to accept their request and spread the word around whether any takers for the same for socially benefiting cause.

Manzil - an organisation based in Sharjah, which gives care and learning environment to those with special needs and encourages them to explore their potential to the fullest, came forward to accept them.

With whole-hearted support from the organisation GHD, Abu Dhabi and their senior management and those two staff members, we were able to send the PCs to Manzil before the Eid holidays.

I could not control my tears of joy when I received a thank you note and special Eid greetings from those children and staff from Manzil as they accepted this unexpected gift on Thursday.

Job only half done as I look around for more volunteers to help them with the basics of computing.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

To know more about Manzil, please visit http://www.manzil.ae/

If interested to become a volunteer, please write to them directly at volunteer@manzil.ae

Short Take - Dt. 13.11.2010 - Point to ponder

Short Take - Dt. 13.11.2010 - Point to ponder

Point to ponder

The season has changed. Winter is almost here. Many people may take the Eid break. One thing I noticed during the last couple of weeks here. I find cars parked for days and covered with full of dust.

Although, it is becoming cool outside, for somewhere, someone, the heat is on. Is it turning out to be real that there is an effect of financial crunch happening around?

The banking sector is also in greater caution and this is another major area for many of us who has an attitude to be there when in need. It is therefore important to be in touch with your regular friends/loved ones/contacts.

Make sure you get to create a communication and feel their pulse. I am sure you will definitely be able to get the feelings across, even if it is a silence or pause in the communication. But to be there at the time in need is the most important gift you can give to a friend or a well wisher of yours.

The reason for writing this here is an interview of Malayalam movie actor Dileep shown on TV sometime ago about one of his movie where he did a stunt scene by jumping into the sea.

In it he explained what was his feeling before jumping and once in motion down. No control, and life and death was seconds away. Luckily for him there were people to rescue, who were on standby. But a repeat shot had to be taken and he continued, there were no one around and it was really touch and go. Two years ago I had to go through the motions of the death of two friends who committed suicide. If someone was there to hold them/restrain them back from that crucial decision, life would have been an altogether different thing for their children.

We all boast of so many friends and well wishers on several media and social forums. How many of them will be there to care for you when in real need? A point to ponder?

So, let the party continue, enjoy life as it happens, but keep an eye and ear open for that precious silence somewhere around. You never know, when a chance hello or a short email from you will make you realise the reason for that precious silence and may give you an opportunity to be the most important person for someone whom you care.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

Know your passport - My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 11.11.2010

My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 11.11.2010 - Know your passport

Know your passport

11 November 2010

This is in reference to a recent letter requesting the travellers to keep the visa page open while they queue in for immigration at the airports.

Travellers should be familiar with their passport entries like any addition of information, special endorsements and of course the page number on which visa is stamped for entry.

Immigration officers have a standard procedure of scanning through all the relevant details starting from the main page and may have queries in case if any additional updates or amendments have been made in the passport. Therefore, one doesn’t have to keep open the visa page before he reaches the officer, but just make sure, he is aware of the pages and entries in his and his families passport. This in turn will help assist the officer as well as the passenger and others for a speedier clearance.

-Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 11.11.2010 - Plan in Advance

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 11.11.2010 - Plan in Advance

Plan in advance

Personally, I have been with several friends in such a situation and know the enormous paper work, money and procedures involved here and in India to repatriate or cremate a deceased. I thank Gulf News for bringing up these points for the benefit of every reader or resident in the UAE. Death cannot be planned, but what the situation may be with regards to the close ones could be planned or detailed in advance with a bit of timely guidance and attention.

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Historic US visit can benefit region - My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 10.11.2010

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 10.11.2010 - Historic US visit can benefit region



Historic US visit can benefit region

The visit of the US president Barack Obama to India is of utmost significance to the region (Obama backs a UN seat for India, November 9).

The deals signed for $10 billion in trade with India is expected by some to help to pay for 50,000 US jobs. This will definitely create an interactive flow of personnel and material movements in both countries. The beneficiary of this improved relationship will be the entire region, especially the Middle East. The UAE can gain tremendously in terms of obtaining a larger share of global commerce.

The visit also boosted optimism and hope among the Indian youth and reiterated the need for better education. Mr Obama's call to "keep dreaming big, huge, gigantic dreams" will definitely motivate the youth in the country.

Improved interaction and agreements in advanced technology and sharing, along with Mr Obama's announcement that the US would support India's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, calls for applause.

Working together, both countries can create regional peace and prosperity, and work on common goals such as an increasing trade, creating green jobs, procuring affordable energy resources with low-carbon growth, strengthening agriculture and health care, as well as strengthening democratic governance and human rights.

May "together we can" be the renewed mantra of this progressive movement. This truly inspiring visit will definitely be advantageous for the entire region in the years ahead.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

My Letters - GULF NEWS - The cost of dying: What to expect when it's not expected

The cost of dying: What to expect when it's not expected

Death comes to us all — but careful planning can take the pain out of dying for your family and friends
By Deena Kamel Yousef, Staff Reporter
Published: 00:00 November 6, 2010
Reader comments (2)

Dying in Dubai is expensive: families must start saving money and preparing for the death of a loved one to avoid financial and legal problems after the event.
Image Credit: Supplied

We are confronted with images of death and dying on television everyday, yet it is an uncomfortable topic that many families are unwilling to talk or think about. Often a cultural taboo, discussing the death of a family member and how to deal with the body and the estate is considered offensive to the elders.

PDF: Grave charges

Every day four people die in Dubai and every three out of those four will be expatriates, according to statistics.

It's a sobering fact that does not usually occur to Dubai's young population, here to pursue a better living standard and higher income.

Why open a can of worms, you say?

Consider the facts: The costs that a family must bear if a relative dies on the other side of the world from home can run into thousands of dirhams. Families are usually unprepared for the bureaucracy and red tape of getting the paperwork, organising the embalming, or sending the body home—all in the middle of grieving for a loved one.

The person's accounts are frozen and visa is cancelled—leaving the dependants without enough money for survival and forced to leave the country. Life insurance may not be paid out immediately and the court may take months, if not years, to distribute the person's estate. Those that do not set aside a lump sum of money behind for the family leave behind a knot of financial problems for their family to sort.

Dying in Dubai is expensive: families must start saving money and preparing for the death of a loved one to avoid financial and legal problems after the event.

The Valley of Love, a non-government organization, last year reported 100 cases of families facing financial problems following the death of a relative.

Gulf News takes you through the paper trail and cost of death in Dubai, providing experts' advice on how to prepare for the event.

Additional specifics on Repatriation costs:

- Calculated by kilo of body and coffin weight. Varies by destination, airlines and total weight. Saving tip: repatriate the body in a cheaper and lighter coffin and transfer to a more elaborate one at home.

- Repatriation to India: Air India transports human remains to any Indian city for free. Other airlines will ship to India with a 50 per cent discount on IATA rates. Charge is approximately Dh20 per kilo. Total cargo cost is Dh1,500.

- Repatriation to Pakistan: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ships human remains and provides the accompanying person's ticket for free

- Repatriation to the UK, Dh65-Dh70 per kilo.

- Repatriation to Africa, Dh95-Dh100 per kilo. It is the most expensive destination.

- Repatriation to Egypt or Lebanon, Dh20-Dh30 per kilo

- Total cost to Europe, Dh20,000 (includes documentation, fees, repatriation).

- Total cost to the Middle East, Dh10,000

- Total cost to Africa, Dh25,000- Dh30,000

- Shipping surcharges: Security surcharge (Dh0.20 to 0.80 per kilo), Fuel surcharges (Dh1 to Dh3 per kilo, depending on fuel prices), screening charge (Dh0.11 per kilo)

- Help line: Call Emirates Sky Cargo services for further details on 04-2184218

Sources:
Abhay Pathak, Regional Manager, Gulf, Middle East and Africa, Air India
Craig Holding, financial adviser and associate director of Acuma Wealth Management.
Helen Williams, Bereavement counsellor, Keith Nicholl Medical Centre, Dubai
Joseph Bobby, Vice President of the Valley of Love, a non-profit organization
Mohammed Marria, senior estate planner for Just Wills, a firm specializing in succession planning
Roy Gaunt, Chartered insurance broker, Nexus Insurance Brokers
Vivian Albertyn, Managing Partner of Middle East Funeral Services, Dubai
DNATA Cargo


Have you experienced financial trouble after the death of a loved on? Have you taken steps to avoid similar issues in the future?

My Comments:


Two excellent and must read articles for expats in UAE. Could be be termed as "Thoughts before we die" in UAE. Personally, I have been with several friends in such situation and and know the enormous paper work money and procedures involved here and India to repatriate or cremate a deceased. Thanks for bringing up these for the benefit of every reader or resident in UAE. Death cannot be planned, but what the situation may be with regards to the close ones could some what be planned or detailed in advance with a bit of timely guidance and attention by such articles.


Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS Online.

Please also read:

How to save and prepare for death

Financial, legal and psychology experts provide their top tips on how to financially prepare and save money in case of a death in the family.

• By Deena Kamel Yousef, Staff Reporter
• Published: 13:25 November 6, 2010

• Dying in Dubai is expensive: families must start saving money and preparing for the death of a loved one to avoid financial and legal problems after the event.
• Image Credit: Supplied

1. Open an offshore account. A person’s single and joint bank accounts will be automatically frozen upon death, leaving the family with no access to money. Having a bank account outside the jurisdiction of the UAE and home country means the family can withdraw money for survival and emergency expenses

2. Put some money in a bank account under a family member or loved one’s name.

3. Set aside emergency funds overseas.

PDF: Grave charges 
4. Have an honest and open discussion with your spouse or family about your finances.

5. Draw up a will detailing how to split your assets among inheritors. Will cost, Dh3,000; legal costs, Dh1,500-Dh2,000; execution of will in court, Dh45,000-Dh50,000.

6. Buy life insurance: Check the benefits, clauses and time period between the death and the payment. Choose between term insurance and whole of life insurance. You can opt for Islamic life insurance (Takaful) or term insurance which does not rely on investments and is Sharia compliant. Men, older people, and those with risky hobbies have higher premiums. Suicide within the first two years of buying a policy is not covered.

7. Get free advice. Some lawyers and funeral service providers give free advice on steps to take after the person’s death.

8. Approach local non-government organizations or your embassy for financial assistance.

9. Death is the ultimate abandonment. Bereavement counselling is available in Dubai for those unable to deal with loss of a loved one. A 90-minute session costs Dh450.

10. Check your work package if you have funeral and repatriation coverage. Check medical insurance for repatriation costs.

11. Save about 25 per cent of your salary, not just for your death but for your family’s life.

12. Before the deceased’s account is unfrozen, debts must be paid out first from those accounts. Pay your debts regularly to avoid from piling up.

13. Make a list of your assets, liabilities, insurance, stock or investments here and abroad, so the will executor knows where to locate the money.

14. Get off your partner’s visa and onto your employer’s sponsorship if you are working. The deceased’s visa gets cancelled and you will have to leave the country.

15. Don’t rely on your company for death and services benefits.

16. Nominate beneficiaries for your life insurance so they can receive the money.

17. Draft a will and email it to your relatives. Keep the original at home or with a lawyer for records.

18. Write how you would like your body dealt with after death.

19. Write a list of emergency contacts.

20. It is cheaper to be cremated in the UAE than repatriated. Budget airlines do not provide a repatriation service.

http://gulfnews.com/business/your-money/how-to-save-and-prepare-for-death-1.707169

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 06.11.2010 - Changed Attitude

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 06.11.2010 - Changed Attitude

Changed attitudes

Every morning when I walk to my car, I get to see a school bus coming to pick up a group of students to an Arabic school. A teacher is also among them to get in from this stop. As I observe each of them inside and outside the bus, there is little interaction. The bus arrives, the children gets in followed by the master. Absolutely no reaction from them and from him, no greetings or whatsoever to each other. They all fully engrossed in listening to their ipods to some music or playing on their mobiles.

The scene revives memories of my own school days and relationship and respect existed those days between students and teachers. Has it withered away as the time passed? May be it is a one-off case, and let me console thinking that way.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.