Financial planning - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt 05 September 2015

It was Onam, the harvest festival of Keralites on Friday. I attended a traditional Onam lunch. It is always a great feeling taking part in such cultural activities.

The main attraction of the celebration was the traditional Onam feast, ie. Sadhya. A sumptuous lunch with a long list of curries served on a plantain leaf. All in traditional style.

As we were having the lunch, one of the dignitaries was addressing the crowd. He mentioned the value of money. These days we are hearing of several people affected by huge financial problems. Rich and ordinary alike are suffering because of poor financial planning.

His speech reminded me of KV Shamsudheen’s untiring community effort to teach the general public about the perils of bad money management and the importance of systematic financial planning in life.

Money is precious. Handle it carefully. It is hard to earn and easy to lose.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Lower the height of signboards - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 22 June 2015

Lower the height of signboards

The new Onwani system will make it easier for people to access every location in Abu Dhabi. What we have to do now is get used to this change.

However, I would like to point out that the signboards with the building numbers and QR codes have been placed too high. This makes it difficult for short people or those of average height to access them to scan the QR codes.

Lowering the height of these boards will enable everyone to make use of the QR facility.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Reader is concerned about workers ignoring safety measures when at construction sites.

Abu Dhabi

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is being celebrated tomorrow, April 28, and our highest priority should be oriented towards the principle of prevention of danger.

A look at some of the maintenance activities being carried out by the staff of some companies that work on the installation of advertisement stickers on high rise buildings within the capital made me write about this important safety issue. They use the suspended scaffolding to paste these stickers on the windows. However, observing them at close quarters I noticed that most of them were not wearing appropriate safety gear.

My fear aggravated when I noticed that a group of construction workers who were working on seven-storey building were carrying out their jobs without wearing any safety gear. This was alarming and there was no way I could reach out to them and inform them to adhere to safety measures.

These two observations highlight the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms. We do note that companies have strict safety guidelines in place for the welfare of their workforce. However, there is always an exception. Some companies even hire part-time workers, and it appears that safety is not a matter of priority for them and precautionary measures are sidelined. This is dangerous as even a minor miss may end up in loss of life or permanent injury to the worker involved.

Through this report, I request the concerned authorities to consider this matter and enforce stricter rules for workers who engage in jobs at high altitudes. The need for a standard acknowledgement and acceptance to conform to safety standards is essential when permits for such jobs to be carried out are issued.

Let ‘Safety First’ be on everyone’s mind at all time. Keep reminding each other and remembering with a strong inner sense the three key notes: ‘Safety for me, for you and for everyone’ as a mantra to achieve better safety results.

  

— The reader is an operations manager based in Abu Dhabi.

  

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

Safety rules are being breached

Safety rules are being breached

I have seen workers in harnesses installing billboards or putting stickers on high-rises. But when I looked closely, I noticed that most of them did not have adequate safety gear. This has happened on more than two occasions.

Once, I was frightened for a group of men who were working on a seven-storey building without any protective gear whatsoever. I am sure that these are not stray cases. People will continue to flout the safety rules if such lapses are not reported.

At the same time, strict enforcement of rules is necessary.

It’s mostly smaller companies that ignore the rules as they engage contract or part-time workers. 

They need to be monitored all the time.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

Petrol station employees need shaded areas - The National Dt. 20 August 2014

Petrol station employees need shaded areas

Driving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai regularly, I have noticed that many petrol stations lack shade in the areas where diesel and special fuels are served. This is a cause for concern as the staff have to work all day under the open sky. I am sure their problems do not end at night, or even during the winter.

I request the fuel company to consider installing shades over all serving points at every fuel station.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

The National, Dt. 20 August 2014

Windows in high-rise buildings need to be properly secured - Gulf News Dt. 14 August 2014

When parking my car at a multi-level car park in Abu Dhabi, I heard the sound of two sets of children playing nearby. One was from the ground level where a group of children were playing football. Searching for the other set, my eyes reached the top floor of a highrise building. I was shocked to see that two windows of an apartment were left open and a set of children were stretching themselves out and trying some tricks.

It was indeed shocking for me! They had clearly seen me standing below and observing them for a long time. As if one group of children seemed to have gotten the message, suddenly one of the windows shut and my focus was now on the other one, where the remaining children continued their activities.

I didn’t wait any longer and went ahead and alerted the watchman of the building. He told me that he was helpless, as the children never listened to him.

I was fearing three different types of dangers. First, the window panels of such buildings are mostly easily accessible. What happens, if the children or even if it is adults, slip and fall?

Second was the danger of the items kept on the window slab. What happens, if one of the item falls down through the open window and someone happens to be passing by or standing below at that crucial moment?

Third and not of least importance is the mischievous act that many residents have had to experience. Some children throw water bottles or cans or even plastic bags filled with water at pedestrians who are passing by the building. A few days ago, my wife and I escaped such an act by a whisker!

It doesn’t end there, these windows are used many a times by residents to dry their laundry. The windows are left partially open and the clothes act as an eyesore to a beautiful city image.

Authorities in the capital have asked for a mandatory lock for windows on highrise buildings. I request authorities and building owners to make a quick check and make sure that it is installed wherever it is not.

In addition, reputed organisations should cross check that the apartments where the employees are living have all the required safety equipment installed.

Let us all work together to put an effort to make safety a core value that can never be ignored even for a moment. Let no accidents, or even death, occur due to ignorance or carelessness.

The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi.

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

Don’t get killed while driving - Gulf News - 3 August 2014

Don’t get killed while driving

Authorities need to step up to educate drivers on road safety and the importance of patience on the road.

•             By Ramesh Menon

•             Gulf News Published: 13:23 August 2, 2014

The other day, as I was dropping my son to the airport amidst the afternoon traffic, we witnessed a young man riding a sports bike at a furious pace, cutting across traffic lanes. Suddenly, the car ahead of him stopped, and the young man was left with no option than to hit the car. We watched as he toppled at least three times above and on top of the car ahead and fell down. There he lay motionless and we were speechless.

Turns out, there was an accident that happened further down the road and that was the reason for the traffic and a police patrol was already on their way to assist.

The accident that we witnessed will remain in my memory for a very long time, as it felt so unreal, like it was a movie.

Furthermore, for me as a person, bikes on UAE roads are always scary as they are not meant to be safe while driven on these roads.

Memories of two incidents that happened a few years ago keep on coming to my mind and is the reason for my aggressive campaigning for road safety.

First is the death of my brother-in-law in a bike accident in 2001 by a tractor driver in Bengaluru, India. 

Second is more serious as it involved a whole family, including my mathematics teacher from school. They died as their car was hit by a speeding car and causing the entire family to burn to death as they travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

While the fate of the young man involved in the accident that happened the other day is not known to me, I definitely know that it was an incident that could easily have been avoided.

There is a strong need for patience and this needs to be educated to our young drivers by the authorities. Especially bike riders and those who have just got their driving license.

You don’t put a full stop to your life in thsi manner. Safety is of utmost importance, therefore we should be alert and cautious at all times.

To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.

Community reporter passes away after battle with cancer

Community reporter passes away after battle with cancer

P. C. Ummer, a regular contributor to the Community Report section, dies at 56.

By Ramesh Menon Gulf News Reader and Community Reporter

Published: 15:00 July 13, 2014

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News met with Gulf News reader P.C Ummer and his two sons Mohamed and Sameer Mohamed at the Gulf News today.

P.C. Ummer, an active participant of social and cultural activities, award-winning Gulf News community reporter and family man, died yesterday in Abu Dhabi on July 13, 2014, at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

He was an alumni of Christ College Irinjalakuda. During our college days we were involved in literary and cultural activities, as well as student welfare issues. After graduation, we didn’t know whether our paths would meet again.

Moving to Abu Dhabi in the late 1980s, I regularly contributed to community issues through letters and reports in Gulf New. As I followed the news with keen interest, I noticed a familiar name appearing in the same sections.

Recognising the person, I obtained his address from Gulf News and contacted him. Coincidentally, he, too, was residing in Abu Dhabi.

With great happiness I found that it was none other than my college mate, whom I thought I would never meet again.

He covered a lot of community issues in his work with Gulf News, just as I did. Many of his suggestions were eye openers to the authorities to rectify issues identified.

A while ago he confided in me about being diagnosed with cancer. A man of strong will and like any other cancer patient, he did not discuss much about it after that.

Ummer kept himself cheerful and was an active participant in activities of the India Social and Cultural Centre and other community associations in the Capital.

Last week, I got to know that he was in intensive care struggling for his life. He remained in a critical condition for almost a week. Being a person who doesn’t give up easily, his family and friends kept hope that he would recover. However, that was not to be.

One more victim of cancer, who had to suddenly put a full stop to his life and leave with unfinished words and deeds for the family and society they belong to.

It once again brings a pressing issue to the fore. Treatment for cancer is very expensive and it is high time authorities in all countries came out with more subsidised treatments for cancer patients. May his soul rest in peace.

Editor’s Note: Gulf News expresses its deepest condolences at the passing away of P.C.Ummer. An active community reporter and voice of the people, he helped raise many important issues to the fore. He won community report awards over the years for his work.

The most recent example was his report, ‘Abu Dhabi bus stops falling apart’, that was published on April 21, 2013. He raised the issue of ignored bus stops and lack of air-conditioned shelters for passengers in the Markaziya area in Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi. Four months later, new bus shelters had been constructed in the area.

Our prayers are with his family and friends in this hour of need.

A bench with no place to sit - Khaleej Times - Dt. 24 March 2014

I believe and propagate through Passionate Photographers group on Facebook that every photo clicked is history. There will be a message or a story behind it. Some told, some untold. The above just an example of how some anti-social elements can damage public property that can be a danger to children and elderly. It is not an image wish to be seen around in a beautiful city. Hope, the authorities will repair and replace it soon as necessary requests have been made to highlight it to them.

Part of a Park, Ride and Click project. A Page 3 listing for an HSE effort.  Inspiring.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

There has to be a way to report rash driving - Community Report - Gulf News - Dt 27th January 2014

No way to report bad driving

Reader says that all buses should have contact details to report bad driving practices.
By Ramesh Menon Gulf News reader
Published: 18:07 January 26, 2014

The effort by the UAE transport authorities to streamline road safety is getting side tracked by some inadvertent measures taken by transport carriers. Or are they intentional?

I am referring to the regulation to display a contact number on the mini and heavy buses carrying passengers. These days, many of them do not have a signboard and some of them display email addresses or switchboard numbers. Both are not effective, in case of an emergency situation, or in order to report road rage noticed on the road.

What was surprising to me was the fact that even school buses did not carry these signboards. In addition, these signs are to be written in lumniscent letters in a sufficiently large size so that they can be read easily during the day or night.

These boards should also be placed on all the government-owned transport vehicles, as they are also seen driving on the hard shoulder at times.

A few days ago, I struggled to find out the details of a speeding bus driver who was continuously flashing the headlights at me and driving at a speed higher than the regulatory speed. On another occasion, I was too shocked to see a big trailer speeding within the city of Abu Dhabi, but there was really no way to find out the company details or contacts for those responsible for it.

We need more awareness on the dangers of heavy vehicles speeding. I humbly request the concerned authorities to ensure these traffic regulations are strictly followed.

The reader is based in Abu Dhabi.

To read it in original, visit GULF NEWS online

Renovation work hurts commuters - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 19 December 2013

Renovation work hurts commuters

Letters to the Editor - The National 19 December 2013
Read more:http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/feedback/renovation-work-hurts-commuters#ixzz2nsonKboH
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook

A series of road and pavement repair work being carried out in sector 73 in Khalidiya is causing major inconvenience to the public.

The entire area is marked for repair by the contracting company responsible for the project. They have also dug up the pavement and removed the bricks that have been stacked up randomly. It’s a posh residential area with a high concentration of high-rises, restaurants, banks and other commercial establishments. In normal times, before the repair work began, availability of parking spaces was limited. So one can imagine the inconvenience it has caused to residents and visitors. The pieces of bricks and concrete also pose a grave danger to children.

Apart from that, the lorries that keep plying in the area cause traffic chaos as there is limited space for vehicle movement.

I humbly request the civic authorities to facilitate convenient passage for residents and vehicles. That could have been done easily by marking smaller segments for renovation, instead of marking an entire sector. It can still be done.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Read more:http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/feedback/renovation-work-hurts-commuters#ixzz2nsohbda3
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook

Beware of date expired fruit juices and products being sold in Pampa and Sabarimala

Dear devotees, consumers, 

I happened to notice that many date expired products are being sold in the small stalls on way to Sannidhanam, Sabarimala from Pampa. Please be careful and as far as possible avoid buying these products.

Necessary alerts and requests have been made to the authorities concerned. However, it is up to us to take care.

Swami Saranam.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

July 2013

Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more

Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more

Fair promotes the vrtues of reading, volunteering and brings the community together
By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader
Published: 00:00 February 17, 2013


Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is finalising preparations for the fifth Used Book Fair, which will be held from February 26 to March 1 at the Palm Garden by Khalid Lagoon. Books are currently being accepted from anyone who wishes to donate, provided the books are in good condition. One can donate books in any language, but magazines and textbooks will not be accepted.

Schools that donate less than 2,000 books will be allocated one booth and those that donate more than 2,000 will be allowed two. Participants will be given a certificate of achievement.

Students who donate more than 20 books will also receive a certificate.

The Used Book Fair is organised every two years and has a number of objectives, such as promoting the habit of reading by offering low-priced books, planting the spirit of volunteering in the minds of the youth and raising funds to support the services offered by SCHS to people with special needs. 

SCHS is a local non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1979 and aims to change society’s attitude towards people with special needs and effect policies regarding disability-related issues. It also aspires to pave the way to a brighter future for children with mental and physical challenges, giving them confidence and a chance to live in a society that provides equal opportunities.

During the four days of the fair, visitors will find books available for as little as Dh3.

The last day to donate books is February 24.

Anyone wishing to donate books can contact SCHS on 06-5669966, SCHS Collection Supervisor Mihraj Abdul Rahim on either 06-5671117 or 050-7965576 or drop them at SCHS premises in the Al Yarmouk area of Sharjah.

The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi. Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com 

 To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

Safer roads - Letters to the Editor - Gulf News Dt 31 Jan 2013

Safer roads

I took a look at the newspaper recently and was horrified to see the photo of a totally burned car, resulting in the death of an Emirati – yet another victim of speeding on our roads. A search of news reports over the past two months showed me at least 12 other similar deaths due to speeding. What’s happening to our drivers?

There is clearly a crisis.

A closer look revealed the alarming fact that most of these vehicles are driven by educated men and women.

Does this show that there is a lack of willingness to acknowledge and respect safety initiatives in place?
If so, it has to be controlled by initiating stricter rules and regulations so that no life is lost due to dangerous driving.

I suggest the authorities bring in a fine system which is pro rata, based on the type and model of the vehicle and driver involved. In addition, all automobile dealers should be requested to give a 2-3 hour mandatory safety training to the new owner, with a certification issued after successful completion that he is well aware of the controls of the car he is going to own and fit and safe enough to drive it.

I wish to see zero tolerance on speeding on our roads and no fatalities in the future, as a result. 

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

The thoughts behind my letter were based on these news items published in the GULF NEWS:

Transluminescent signage and directions on Abu Dhabi roads

It is foggy days once again in UAE. The photo above was taken at about 10:00 am two days ago. You can imagine, how foggy it would have been during the early morning hours. Crying road safety all these years, I have been writing and requesting repeatedly to initiate several road safety measures to safeguard all road users during such difficult driving conditions. One item in the list was to have road directions painted with translumniescent paint so that lights reflects on them and give correct guidance on driving direction to those who drive during such times.

I was happy this morning. It was too foggy and was happy to see Abu Dhabi Municipality contractors painting the roads with translumniescent paint. I wish them sincerely good luck in their effort to control accidents during foggy days due to rash driving added with poor visibility.

One more thing was emphasized to me and my community reporting instinct. However efforts or how much ever time it takes, persistence to communicate and convince on the merits of a good suggestion always see positive results.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

12.12.2012

To read my suggestion, please visit and read my post:

(Please read my report – Coping with fog - Gulf News dated 21.09.2010) . 

Thanks to all those who put their mind and soul to initiate this new safety aspect which will help motorists to find directions easily during extreme fog conditions on our road.

Extra caution needed to handle flammables

Extra caution needed to handle flammables

Guidelines needed to ensure precautions are taken to protect residents

By Ramesh Menon Gulf News readerPublished:  October 11, 2012

While in the heart of Abu Dhabi, I happened to witness a tanker refilling a building’s storage unit with gas and was shocked at the absolutely careless manner in which the process was handled.

The building was situated in the center of the city, in front of one of the malls in the area, and the truck was stationed in the street, where many vehicles continuously passed by.

There was no sign or barrier around the truck to keep other vehicles at a safe distance.

All but one of the workers were out of uniform and the one person wearing a uniform was not near the control unit of the truck, which was transferring highly flammable gas to the storage unit. Nor was there a single person near the inlet to monitor the transfer process.

I was really shocked to see this being handled as if it were a transfer of drinking water to a building unit.

There are restaurants and coffee shops in the building, and the streets are filled with drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who carry lit cigarettes and which could be thrown in any direction at any time.

Also, rash drivers try to speed on these narrow roads. What if a vehicle were to emanate an electronic spark or if there was an accident while this process was taking place?

I humbly call on the concerned authorities to take caution and urgently issue appropriate guidelines for the refilling of cooking gas at residential units. These are activities that need to be carried out under strict caution and guidelines.

Let us take precaution before an accident happens.

The reader is based in Abu Dhabi. Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com

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

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings - please be kind to them

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings - please be kind to them

Once again, another temple festival season is due in Kerala. Especially, this is very prominent and predominant at central part of Kerala, specifically, in and around Trichur, Palghat and Ernakulam districts.

This is where we get to see, elephants being transported from one point to another to serve the requirement of temple festivities. This happens, more frequently and at fierce pace, during the March /April/May months, when temple festivals in and around Trichur Districts happens.

It is at this time, that elephants, are transported from far away places by agents to meet requirements of various temples.

Unfortunately, at times, these pachyderms have to silently suffer long journey by truck, who drive really fast to reach from one point to another and then get dressed up to be the focal point and then again move on to another destination.

I humbly request our government, necessary authorities to initiate the following rules:

•          To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
•            To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
•          To make sure, the elephant is transported from one place to another in a safe speed, say less than 40 kms per hour.
•     To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is decorated and dressed for a long stay for a procession or festivity associated.
•      To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is loaded once again to its next destination. 
•      To make sure, it gets sufficient time to walk and stretch its muscles and body, before it has to travel or stand silently for any festivity. 
•      To make sure, it gets quality food and water at each of the above point.
•      Absolutely, do not allow, Flash photography at close proximity where elephants are lined up for festivities. 
•              Last and most important, to make sure, they get sufficient rest between one programme and the next.    
•      These activities, should be strictly logged, monitored and controlled by respective Devaswom Officers, Forest and District Collector Level Officers to make sure, they are well taken care and protected.

For your information, am very well sure, the way they are transported from one point to another is the most cruel manner. The speed at which these trucks are driven to reach the next destination, I am sure, even some human being sitting at the carriage space, may not be able to withstand. To add more, if you want to watch and view by yourself, the way they are loaded to a truck, it is really pathetic. God save them and bless them to be silent as ever.

The scenes I witnessed during, just before the last Arattuppuzha pooram was horrendous.  I felt extremely bad for these silent beings and feel it should not be the case in this festive season.

I kindly request honorable Kerala Government and Ministers concerned, both Devaswom and Forest Minister, especially, Sri K B Ganesh Kumar to make a note and issue necessary guidelines to the use and exhibition of tamed / temple elephants in Kerala for festivities.

(photos by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi)

Watch this video, taken out from YouTube, thanks to Teetus P Samu (author of this video):

Imagine you are in its position to climb over to a cabin of an 8 ft heavy load truck!!

Nothing more to say, government and the ministry, and ministers have to act, well before this festival season, so that NO DEATH HAPPENS due to an elephant attack and NO TEMPLE ELEPHANT is treated or over worked during this season.

I sincerely hope all elephant lovers join me too in this campaign.

With due regards,

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Schools should promote health - Letters to the editor - The National Dt. 01 October 2012

Schools should promote health

Watching the flow of students returning to a reputable school near my home after the summer holidays, I noticed that most the children are overweight.

Because many schools do not have adequate play areas, I think that classroom-based exercise, and health-awareness programmes should be conducted at the start of each day.

Even five minutes each morning could change the students' outlook, making them more health and fitness conscious.

Smoking outside the school gate is another unhealthy practice that is quite common.

Schools say they are powerless in this matter as it happens off their premises. Therefore, I think it is up to health authorities to check what is going on near schools and take action against students who smoke in public - and their parents.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read this in original, please visit The National online

For residents of Kadugodi - the way to bus stand is still down and under

It is a very sad scene each time I pass by this major point of Whitefield. The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population and the Bus stand is causing lot of difficulties for all. At any given time there will be a goods train waiting, with endless carriages, waiting for signal. It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over. At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.

Like the endless carriages parked, the story continues for Kadugodi residents...... 

Authorities have so far kept a golden silence on the issue of providing an easy passage for the users of the bus station or even the railway station. It is one of the major traffic point connecting residents from various point of Kadugodi and nearby villages and residential areas to the city. 

Who cares, if common man suffers? The city is one of the highest tax collecting and revenue generating in India. But, when it comes to necessary infrastructure, it is way behind...

Authorities, please consider the difficulties of Kadugodi residents.... At least, please show kindness to instruct the Railway authorities and the Engine drivers to park the trains before the railway gate, if the possibility of building a bridge is an impossible task by you.

Ramesh Menon

30 August 2012

Plants need more care

To read it in original, please visit 7daysinabudhabi