Natures trick

Natures trick. See how this butterfly blends itself with the nature.

Bon Voyage my friend

It was a chance meeting and it ended up as we knew each other for a very long time. At the end of a 9 year stay in the UAE, Joe, is undertaking a journey of a life time. True, by road to Switzerland from Dubai! 8000 odd kms....wooooooooowoow....

Any motorsports enthusiasts dream. The journey covering several countries and terrains of unknown nature and life conditions, alone, is really something awesome!. Let your machine and self hold strong from start to end.

Thank you Joe for your kind heart to kindly offer me hundreds of books from your collections for use of charitable cause and also not to forget the beautiful musical instruments to add to my collection.

Wish you a great trip and do keep in touch.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

26 August 2014

A joy ride through the canals of Venice

Never ending flow of boats, kayaks and all other types of marine vehicles. Canals of Venice, always an interesting scene to stay on, watch and admire.

Mother’s affection - Gulf Today - Short Take - 23 August 2014

Mother’s affection

In a flash this year’s holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr passed by. An extended holiday at the end of it was utilised to be with my aged mother in an orthopaedic hospital back home in India. She was undergoing a series of surgeries.

 Being with her during the entire period was very satisfying and I felt like giving back little affection to the ocean of love and care she showered on me till this age.

 At the hospital, I was really impressed by one lady staff’s commitment to her duty. Bharathi, a lady security manning the post-operative ward of that busy hospital, turned out to be an excellent example.

Starting her duty early in the morning, she kept an excellent watch on those who really had to visit and controlled all those who should not. With due instructions prior to entering, she made sure everyone followed all the necessary health, safety and environment regulations to protect the welfare of the patients. Of course, she was at a very junior level of the hospital, but she did show a great example of how important each person’s job was and how to attend to it when its intended result is achieved. It was proved every day as soon as she left for home and her replacement took charge and people did utilise their influence to get in at will, disrupting the peaceful function of the post-operative ward.

While returning to the UAE on the plane, a little boy came and sat next to me. Due to the huge passenger rush for Abu Dhabi, his mother and sister were seated on different rows while the father was seated way behind.

Well dressed and impressive at his age, I started a conversation with him. He was found to be very intelligent and was aware of all the modern gadgets and their uses.

He was closely watching me what I was doing as he was changing the channels on the monitor in front. As the airline staff started serving, he read out the menu and ordered his choice of meals, which was a plate of kebabs and rice. I ordered a different item. When the staff served the food, he was curious as to what I was getting and as he tasted his and wasn’t impressed with it.

He asked me whether he could re-order his food. I said to him, I will try. Calling the airhostess and explaining to her the little one’s wish, I persuaded her to bring her a set of meals with fish, which was the next choice by this little one. It took some time for her to bring the food and by then I finished my dinner.

When he tasted the fish, he didn’t like that too. Slowly, he turned towards me and said, “Uncle, can I ask her to bring what you had?!” I explained to him, normally, they will carry only a limited number of packets and they will not have extra, which was the case exactly as explained to me by the airhostess.

In order to console him, I asked him to order ice cream and when they brought it, it was rock solid. He tried to cut and eat the ice cream but in vain.

The airhostess told him that it would melt soon. Waiting for it to melt, we started talking to each other and in no time, he was asleep and me too! I woke up hearing the announcement for the plane to land at Abu Dhabi and looked for the boy. He was still asleep. The ice cream bowl was cleared by the staff by then!

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today - Short Take - 23 August 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Its Friday and time to chill out

It's Friday and a hot afternoon. Time to chill out!

Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple - an evening shot

Ixora flower on a rainy day

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

Pledge: Make UAE Roads Safer

Are you a resident of UAE and holds a driving license? Then, it is time for you to visit:

http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/pledge-make-uae-roads-safer/

Drivers  and Passengers taking the pledge will commit themselves  to the following 4 points;

√ YES – Seat belts – by EVERYBODY in your car!

√ YES – Indicators - every time you change lanes!

ø NO – Speeding!

ø NO – Mobile Phone: not without proper hands-free equipment!

The UAE has one of the highest per-capita road fatalities globally and we experience shortcomings of Road Safety on a daily basis. ‘Road injury’ is the number 1 cause of premature death in the UAE (according to a Global Burden of Disease study), and accidents are the number 2 killer in the UAE with traffic related accidents representing about 2/3 of all accidents. Clearly, this is avoidable!

RoadSafetyUAE.com want to ‘make a difference’ and this needs a strong voice. This is the reason, why we team up with media partners, corporate supporters, and governmental entities like RTA, to help us ‘spread the word’.

We need YOUR VOICE, and the voices of all road traffic participants of the UAE!  We need your voice to clearly state: ‘I commit myself to MAKE UAE’s ROADS SAFER!’ – and to sign our pledge!  

…and please: forward the pledge to your family, friends, colleagues – whoever you care about!

For 2014, we are aiming for 100,000 pledges by year end. Maybe we achieve even more! Together, we’ll celebrate and decide our game plan for the future. With 100,000 of us standing strong for the cause, we will for sure improve the safety on our roads.

There are definitely additional important points of road safety, but for our initial pledge we want motorists to commit to those 4. In future pledges, additional points of road safety will be included.

Will your pledge make a difference and what is the purpose of the pledge? Possessing a driving license proves, that we know the road rules and the proper road behavior. Taking the pledge is a concrete action of rationalizing and reminding ourselves of how to do it right.  Reading and discussing is one thing, but actively taking the pledge is a much more a testimony of our commitment to increase road safety.  Please also refer to our ‘Topics & Tips section’!

Certainly, in the initial phases of the pledge, traffic participants, who already have a high conduct of road safety will make the pledge. However, they are encouraged to forward to pledge to other traffic participants with improvement potentials, or  with a low conduct of road safety! It is in the interest of those they forward the pledge to! The more traffic participants will go through this process of rationalization by signing the pledge, the more the level of road safety will improve.

By forming a group, we can accomplish difficult goals that we might have trouble achieving alone. Like-minded people can help support the cause of improved road safety and the group momentum can positively influence positive behavioral change and  ensure that we follow through on our good intentions. We need to ensure a culture of looking after each other on the road – and taking the pledge is a good start!

Inviting all companies, educational institutions and organizations sign the pledge, and also to encourage their employees, customers, students and other stakeholders to sign, too. It will help organizations develop a systematic approach to managing the key risks arising from road transport, thereby contributing to successful road safety outcomes.

Appending below is the support and call by the Ambassador of India, H.E. T.P. Seetharam in support of this initiative.

Please share the link, spread the word around and let there be less accidents as possible.

Thank you and best wishes in advance,

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Beautiful Mosques in Abu Dhabi

Starting today, I am trying to bring to you one by one the beautiful mosques in Abu Dhabi and then other cities in the United Arab Emirates.

In this photo you will find this extremely beautiful mosque situated at Madina Zayed (behind NMC hospital). The architectural beauty of it is to be praised. This is just one of the angle, I captured at random.

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

Tragedy of life - Gulf Today - Short Take - Dt. 09 August 2014

Tragedy of life

Life passes by very quickly. At times many of us undergo a series of unexpected tragedies all at the same time. For a favourite colleague of mine Paulita and her husband Adrian, it was one such time during last year.

A cancer fighter, her condition aggravated and she had to undergo a series of major treatment.

She was recovering and it was at that time the natural tragedy happened and her entire village was destoyed. Along with it 18 of their immediate relatives!

Massive efforts were coordinated by her forgetting her own health condition to rehabilitate those who survived.

Time passed by quickly and it is time for her to go back on leave.

It is at this time she is feeling the magnitude of what happened. With houses yet to complete and essential facilities still not reconstructed, life is not going to be easy for some time.

In a way when we look at things happening in our life, it is true that all good things can be destroyed in a flash but to reconstruct the goodwill it is never easy and requires lot of hard work, determination, dedication and sustained effort.

I take this opportunity to salute all good human beings like Paulita who do selfless efforts forgetting their own personal hardship.

Ramesh Menon

Short Take, Gulf Today 9 August 2014

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

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.

Listen to ideas - Short Take - Gulf Today - 2 August 2014

Listen to ideas

On a short visit to India, I am touring around various cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and my home town, Irinjalakuda.

While I travel by air and road, I also drive at most places as it gives me an opportunity to cover life in the villages through my lenses.

The situation changes when I am in my hometown and under the umbrella of my aged parents. They do not allow me to drive and the onus is on our family driver Jose to take me around the city.

He is a man of wisdom. Driving around, he has clear ideas on what needs to be done and what went wrong on highway development activities.

The one-way system in Trichur and Ernakulam, the highway medians that occupy a lot of space and reduce traffic flow are some points that require immediate corrective action.

Having worked in Iraq and Saudi for a long time, he is thorough with modernisation. I wish there was a better mechanism where the authorities listened to the voice of common people in India. Just like the “Have Your Say” programmes in many government departments in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE authorities have been highly progressive and receptive to the voice of its residents. This has encouraged people like me to contribute regularly with ideas and suggestions.

Ramesh Menon

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

Natural hurry

Natural hurry

There is a saying in Hindi which translates into, “Whatever happens, happens for the good.”

Nature has proved this once again.

For some years, I have been keenly following the flowering process of date palm trees and the period after it, till it is harvested. Normally, this process happens during July to October.

However, last year, due to the change in weather pattern or due to the unnoticed climate differentiation, it didn’t happen during that period.

This year, the process started in March and by now, the dates in the palm trees are ready to harvest. It is as if the nature has hurried itself to be part of the festivities associated with the Holy Month of Ramadan.

It is an amazing feeling to watch the date palm trees full of ripened dates wherever one gets to go around in the UAE. Indeed, the nation is blessed with this hidden wealth, which silently forms a major export item of the country.

If you have missed following the process, keep an eye from now on. You will have many stories to tell based on it.

Ramesh Menon

Short Take - Gulf Today 26 July 2014

Strict rules and training needed - Letters to the editor - The National

Strict rules and training needed

It is very sad to read that an accident of the kind described in your article (38 workers injured in Sharjah bus crash, July 22) has happened on our roads once again.

Looking at the efforts by the authorities to prevent such accidents and the results achieved thus far, it is promising to note that they have become less frequent.

However, in order to get even better results, there is one option that ought to be implemented. The law should be amended to give no leeway above the stated speed limit for drivers of commercial or public transport vehicles. This would include 15-seater vans and minibuses, as well as full-size buses and trucks.

If enforced correctly and with strict punishment for drivers who breach it, this law ought to result in fewer accidents due to speeding and negligence.

In conjunction with this, all transport companies should be required to give their drivers training and to update their road-safety awareness skills.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original please visit The National online

Safe-driving signs on lorries are not what they seem - Letters to the editor - Dt. The National 21 July 2014

Safe-driving signs on lorries are not what they seem

Letters to the Editor

July 20, 2014 Updated: July 20, 2014 03:36 PM

I refer to “Am I driving safely?” No, but there is no point in calling the number on the lorries (July 19), about the phone numbers displayed on heavy vehicles.

Many lorry and bus operators have found ways to get around this initiative. I cannot remember how many times I have been unable to reach the displayed number when I have witnessed a road-rage incident and tried to report it immediately.

There are three different scen­arios. One is where one or two digits are deliberately erased from the contact number; another is to provide a landline number that is never answered. A third is to display the number of a mobile phone that the offending driver himself is carrying.

When I do get through to the truck or bus operators, I never frame it as a complaint. Instead, I word it as a precaution, suggesting they keep their eye on a particular driver. Some companies have ­acknowledged my efforts and ­conveyed their thanks.

I feel that there is a need for a simple, easy-to-dial number to report all cases of bad driving. Companies operating lorries and buses should be required to register a contact number with the authorities, who would act on the complaint.

Road safety should be considered an integral part of our daily lives. Let us not ignore its importance, even for a minute.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/feedback/safe-driving-signs-on-lorries-are-not-what-they-seem#ixzz384SefrXQ
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook

Noble deeds - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt. 19 July 2014

Noble deeds

Many a time, I have felt that we have no control over happenings in our day-to-day life. But, when I rethink, I strangely find that we do have a major role in all of them. It is just that we don’t realise the possible intervention angle.

A close friend fighting cancer since a long time passed away last week. He left us as if a job half done and half spoken about. During the final days of his life, he was not in a conscious state. Attending the funeral, I heard his brother mentioning to someone that my friend never ever expected it to happen so fast.

He might have left this world, family and friends with untold miseries. When I look at it, his noble deeds to the community weigh more in terms of hidden wealth to the society and generation that looked upon him.

He was a community person and always believed in highlighting the issues affecting the society either directly or through the press. Several times, we exchanged topics and discussed them. Published and unpublished efforts of his silent societal involvement are many. That is what will leave him immortal in the days ahead in the eyes of all.

My late friend PC Ummer was a man with a mission. At any available opportunity, he was there at the India Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi and other social organisations to share his knowledge and expertise, participating in summer camps and other activities.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

A smile that conveyed a million thanks

On behalf of TOTAL, we were extremely happy to inform all that we distributed the “Spirit of Giving” bags to the ladies at Mussaffah camp on Wednesday, 16th July 2014 evening before Iftar.

It would not have been possible for us without the generous support of each one of our colleagues who participated with a human touch.  The team effort displayed in this CSR initiative was exemplary.

We are also grateful to the volunteers who came forward in getting the boxes to Mussaffah and complete the distribution process as smooth as possible.

This event is an important first step of a series of CSR initiatives lined up for the year ahead.

It is part of a sustained effort to convey that using all available opportunities TOTAL is committed to bring out better energy among the staff as well as the community around.

Thanking you and wish you all once again a blessed Ramadan.

Joy of the seeing the ripened Dates - Our Story of the Date Palm Trees

I told you well ahead, the joy of seeing a date palm tree full of ripened fruits is beyond words can say. Enjoy the blessed season. They say in hindi, "Jo hotha hey acha ke liye hotha hey". The delay of flowering due to the global warming is overcome by the timing the dates have ripened and ready to be harvested for the festive season of Eid al Fitr. God bless all to have a peaceful, prosperous and joyous season ahead.

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.

Obituary - P.C. Ummer - end of a Community conscious citizen

With profound sadness, informing you all of the demise of P.C.Ummer at Abu Dhabi this morning. Please pray for the peace of the departed soul.

with prayers,

Ramesh

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Changing life - Gulf Today - Short Take - 12 July 2014

Changing life

Today, I am in an uneasy frame of mind. While parting is difficult, departing is more difficult.

The first is about my home in Abu Dhabi. It was my home away from home and I had been living in that flat for about 14 years now. My house and the neighbourhood were dear to me.

The building was old with limited facilities and age took its toll. It was declared uninhabitable by the municipality. All the tenants had to look for accommodation elsewhere.

They say, a change is an opportunity. I parted with many old items that I had earlier thought I couldn’t live without. It was a difficult choice to select and pack what I wanted and what I didn’t.

Finally, I moved in to a new place. I am confident I will soon blend in here.

The second one is about a college mate. During our college days we were actively involved in literary and cultural activities, as well as student welfare issues. After graduation, we didn’t know whether our paths would meet again.

I regularly contributed to community issues through reports in local dailies. As I followed the news with keen interest, I noticed a familiar name appearing in the same columns.

Recognising the identity of the person, I gathered his address and contacted him.

It was none other than my college mate whom I thought I would never meet again.

We travelled almost the same path with regards to community issues. Many of our suggestions helped the administrative authorities rectify issues identified without delays.

A few years ago he confided in me about being diagnosed with cancer.

A man of strong will, he did not discuss much about it. He kept himself cheerful and participated in activities of the India Social and Cultural Center and other associations.

Last week, I came to know that he was in the ICU struggling for his life. It was difficult to meet him at the ward in his partially conscious state.

It has been almost a week now and he remains in the same critical condition. We keep hoping that he will recover and return to his normal self.

Treatment for cancer is very expensive and it is high time authorities in all countries came out with subsidised treatment for cancer patients.

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today, Short Take – 12 July 2014

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

One more victim

One of my close friends and college mate is in a critical condition, fighting for life at a prominent hospital in Abu Dhabi. We travelled the same path in college, working for the magazine committee and other cultural and sports activities. After a long gap, I found him back here through the columns of Gulf News and surprisingly he too took several pressing community issues with the authorities and highlighted it through the Community Report section. This evening, he is fighting for his life, one another victim of Cancer. Please, please pray for his speedy recovery. I really do not want to see him going back this way this soon.

With tearful prayers for him.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Monday, 7th July 2014

Of writing skills and technology - Khaleej Times - 7 July 2014

Of writing skills and technology

/ 7 July 2014

This is in response to the write-up “Get it Write”. It gave an interesting reading and insight to a pressing problem. The advent of technology is already in its successful path of killing the art of writing using pen and pencil. It is, indeed, a dangerous situation.

Concurring with the observation of Nishad Sayyed, I really feel bad to see little children tagging along parents mending their ways either on the iPhone or iPad. To make children 
familiar with the technology from an early age is good. However, making them totally addicted and dependent on them is to be pondered.

The result of the lack of interest in promoting writing at an early age is seen by the reduction of children participating in activities related to writing poetry or short stories. Time and effort has to be devoted to change this situation. How many parents and teachers take an effort in this direction may bring about the intended improvement. How can it be done has to be the next step of this important focus.

How difficult is it now for an expert to analyse a person when the art of writing itself is dying. I have been interested in this field for a long time and have been learning and collecting the handwritten scripts of those whom I come across for my study and analysis.

 It is common these days that we get to see children not expressing their mind through pen and pencil and use abbreviated terminologies to communicate through mobile or social media. To read their mind is not so easy as they get them enclosed into a shell by themselves.

What can we do next to see 
a change? Parents should make it a point to create an interest among children from a young age to start reading and writing in full and complete. On the other hand teachers and academicians of all types have a bigger role to teach them the importance of reading and 
writing it right.

Community organisations too have an important role to come out with competitions to encourage the development of literary skills.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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

For greater good - Short Take - Gulf Today, Dt. 05 July 2014

For greater good

It has been a routine for me since some years to meticulously photograph places that I visit and activities I participate in, and to then post them on my Facebook group or share it with friends or followers on various social networks.

I do it for various reasons. First, is to improve my photography skills. The second is to promote the artist or the activity I attend and give a kind of selfless contribution to encourage them.

However, the most important reason is to share with my parents and immediate family, who live far away, these precious moments so that they may enjoy them as well.

In order to meet professional and personal commitments, I tend to face a tight schedule, and this method has helped me avoid a detailed explanation of how my day evolved.

An interesting fact that came to my notice was the different reactions of those who chose to be in my friends or followers list. Some of them consistently encourage me. Some remain completely silent, although they keenly observe every post of mine. And some others come up with constructive criticism, which I always take note of in a positive way and act according to merit.

Many a time this has resulted in a positive contribution to the society, whether it is here in the UAE or in India.

Some actions were dangerous, since I would report abnormal practices or dangerous situations. Before submitting these to relevant authorities or the media I have asked myself a hundred times whether or not I should submit them as community reports of significance. The option chosen does prove to be right as they resulted in intended positive outcome.

At times, there were detrimental remarks that held my thoughts and deeds from moving ahead. Working on them again and again, weighing them in a balance, I chose the positives rather than the negatives and carried on.

Why should I let my feelings known to others? Why should I not?

A difficult choice, this is always on my mind, each time I come out with something new.

I strive my best to keep my mind and thoughts to contribute to the betterment of those with me and around me in my community. The choice is therefore theirs, to be with me or not.

Be supportive and an occasional like, a supporting comment, or a share of my post among your friends or family will not do any harm. It’s an assurance you can trust on.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today, online

Highway code is necessary - Letters to the editor - The National Dt. 1 July 2014

Highway code is necessary

I refer to the article Safety expert advocates UAE federal highway code (June 30). The code is particularly necessary to keep heavy vehicles under control. They should never be given the extra 10 or 20kph speed allowance.

The moment you give that opportunity to these drivers, they tend to break the rules. In other words, if the maximum speed limit is 100kph for heavy vehicles, they should stay below it.

Many times, I have been in situations where buses and lorries came flashing their headlights from behind. The RTA buses are no exception. They should also be made to stay within the last two lanes, so as to keep the rest of the lanes free for lighter vehicles.

There is a rule that public and commercial vehicles should display specific phone numbers on which complaints can be made in case of dangerous driving. But proper monitoring is needed to make this system effective. A dedicated centralised contact number will be more helpful. I am sure consistent efforts will help make our roads safer and better. Let us all work together towards this objective.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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

Fasting can improve your health - Gulf News Dt. 29 Jue 2014

Fasting can improve your health

It will be a good idea for non-Muslims to experience a day of fasting followed by iftar

•             By Ramesh Menon

•             Published: 16:08 June 28, 2014

It is a divine time to become engaged in the community by investing time, skills or other resources at a personal level. It is highly important that people abide by the dress code policy especially during Ramadan, as many visitors remain unaware of the cultural sensitivities of the country.

Malls, hotels, buses, taxis, train and airline centres should put up flyers, to remind people of the courtesy policies during Ramadan. Many tourists coming from Western countries are not aware of the dress code policies and as a result, they might end up touring the country wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts during Ramadan, unaware that this might disturb the people observing the holy month.

It will be useful to spread knowledge on how to keep healthy while keeping to religious obligations. Healthy fasting during Ramadan is of prime importance as people tend to get more obese and diabetic due to irregular eating and overeating after ending their fast. Fasting during Ramadan can improve a person’s health, but if a correct diet is not followed, it can possibly worsen your condition. Therefore, the important factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed in the non-fasting hours.

Non-muslims should be considerate to the feelings of those who are fasting. For those who are new to the country, remember that eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is forbidden as Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during this time. It shows a lack of sensitivity if some people eat while others fast for over 17 hours. Don’t play loud music because neighbours could be fasting and/or resting.

             

It will be a good idea for non-muslims to experience a day of fasting followed by an iftar.

I am sure this will give a chance to learn self-restraint and will highlight the importance of caring and sharing.

Also, due to environmental changes, it will be the same time the date palm trees will be ready for harvesting the ripened dates, the nation’s hidden wealth.

Both join together as a double sign of good days ahead and let the country prosper in all ways.

To read it in original, please visit Gulf News Online

Safe driving - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 28 June 2014

Safe driving

It is the Holy Month of Ramadan and a blessed season when people tend to be more religious and show kindness to the poor and needy. This year, due to the long duration of daytime, the fasting hours will be more.

Summer is at its peak making life outside during noon hours difficult. Luckily, the school holidays have started. The roads may be less crowded as many people will be on vacation.

However, one factor that is a cause of worry is the driving habit of some people before Iftar timing. Whatever the reasons, the tendency to drive fast and furious is extremely dangerous.

The energy and alertness level during this time will be less for many due to fasting. It is extremely important to drive cautiously and carefully during this particular period.

Safety at all times should be kept in mind and practised as one of the core values in our lives.

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today, Short Take Dt. 28 June 2014

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

Garnering support - Letters to the Editor - Gulf News 27 June 2014

Garnering support

It is impressive and highly promising to note the increased production forecast for UAE farm produce in the coming season (‘10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms,’ Gulf News, June 23). The effort and amount of technology expertise added with financial support is huge and each of the participating farmers should be highly praised to keep the interest in the field of agriculture ongoing.

With the weather conditions not in favour, it is of great importance to encourage more people to come forward and actively participate in agriculture that suits the nation. With regards to garnering additional support, the produce should be allocated to special areas at all the leading supermarkets and be given prominence in terms of pricing and marketing.

From Mr Ramesh Menon

Abu Dhabi

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

No tolerance for drunks on planes - Letters to the editor - The National - 26 June 2014

No tolerance for drunks on planes

A friend of mine recently flew in to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai on a non-UAE airline.

On-board the plane were many workers who had been drinking before the flight took off.

Despite seeing them in that condition, the airline staff served alcohol to them during the flight. This resulted in them becoming totally intoxicated, spilling their food and causing inconvenience to other passengers.

I was very sad to hear of this scenario. Airlines flying to the UAE should have guidelines that ensure that people who have consumed a high level of alcohol before a flight are not allowed to board.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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

Letters: on - 10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms

10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms

It is impressive and highly promising to note the increased production forecast for UAE farm produce in the coming season. The effort and amount of technology expertise added with financial support is huge and each of the participating farmers should be highly praised to keep the interest in the field of agriculture ongoing with sustained interest. With the weather conditions not in favor and with all the global warming issues kept in mind, it is of great importance to encourage more locals to come forward and actively participate in agriculture that suits the nation. In order to garner additional support, the produce should be allocated a special corners at all the leading supermarkets and be given prominence in terms of pricing and marketing. Wherever there is lack of water supply identified, it should be complemented with alternate source of water supply to keep the interest sustained.

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

Silent reply - Gulf Today - Short Take - Dt. 21 June 2014

Silent reply

It was a quiet time at the supermarket and I was waiting at the weighing counter in the vegetable section.

A worker arrived and placed some boxes of vegetables that were to be displayed at one of the sections. At that time, another customer appeared and positioned himself between the boxes and me.

The person at the weighing counter had seen me standing earlier and hence collected my items and started weighing them.

Suddenly, the other customer who created a new queue started insulting the counter staff and me.

He went to such an extent that he started talking about my country and my roots.

I was in no mood to respond and chose to ignore him. Seeing me not reacting, he stopped blabbering.

His provocation could have created an ugly scene, but I am happy that I chose to be silent and it did make a difference.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Short Take Dt 21 June 2014

The Beas River Tragedy - and lessons to learn

My heart bleeds for the students who perished in the Beas river tragedy. It is great loss which could have been avoided if the authorities were vigilant. My prayers goes to the friends and family of the bereaved.

This tragedy brings into open the importance of imparting sufficient awareness on HSE matters, especially on Safety. As usual, the local authorities are trying to escape with regular excuses. However, I wish the students, were aware to and alert and reacted to the warning signs, they might have escaped from this disaster.

It is a warning sign to the academicans around the world to incorporate and give more emphasise on HSE as an important subject of curriculum from the school days.

photo courtesy : www.ndtv.com

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Hindustan Ambassador - Forget me Not

A tribute to Hindustan Ambassador 1957 - 2014
Forget me Not

From UAE to Venice - Gulf Today - Short Take - 14 June 2014

From UAE to Venice

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Architectural Biennale 2014 in Venice. Opting to travel from Abu Dhabi, I realised it was a multiple transportation option.

After the long flight to Malpensa Airport in Italy, I had to catch a train to Milan Central. Changing the platforms and hopping on to a fast train to Venice, I could relish the scenic beauty of the Italian countryside.

The place I wanted to visit was accessible only by water taxis. Stopping in between various boat stations, it was exciting to see people getting in and out at each places.

Once at my hotel, it was a different feeling. The scenic view from the window overlooking the canals and watching the gondolas take tourists through narrow water lanes were a treat to watch.

As days passed by, I started missing some things. The routine had changed and my desire to get some Indian food, the small items we get from our super and mega marts, started growing.

I was not successful due to time constraints and non-availability of the restaurants and shops that served them.

I remembered the UAE and felt that expatriates in the country are blessed as there are easy options available to make everyone feel at home, whether it is food, dress or any other.

My thoughts were concurred by an Indian couple from Belgium visiting Venice with their little boy, who was keen to have rice, idly and sambar every day.

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today - Short Take - 15 June 2014

UAE pavilion - Gulf Today - Short Take - 7 June 2014

UAE pavilion

It was the partial realisation of a big dream. As the saying goes, if you dream, dream big, I was silently and consistently putting my efforts to rekindle the memories of the volcano fountain in Abu Dhabi.

The Architecture Biennale 2014 was officially opened on June 5 and the UAE pavilion stood out by displaying the right blend of modern and ancient architectural history of the UAE.

The curatorial team with the blessings of Sheikha Salama Foundation has done a great job.

Accepting and attending the opening ceremony also was an opportunity to meet several contributors who worked to make the UAE pavilion worth the visit for those interested in architecture and history.

The Venice biennale will run till Nov.23. Why not plan Venice as your holiday destination this year?

Train, boats, lovely canals and countryside and now the UAE pavilion in biennale.

Ramesh Menon, Venice

Gulf Today - Short Take, 7 June 2014