How many of you have a HMT watch? Would love to read your memories related to it.
I believe that all great achievements and success in life, and all changes for the better, have one powerful characteristic in common: The First Step. Take the first step, and the journey has a way of taking care of itself.”
Monday, September 15, 2014
New road will ease traffic - Letters to the editor - The National 15 September 2014
New road will ease
traffic
I am sure commuters will be relieved when the road works are
complete in the Al Wahda Mall area (Road works expected to ease access to Al
Wahda Mall, September 14).
Apart from congestion, the bus stop dedicated to the
shopping complex posed a visual obstruction for drivers exiting the mall.
Another shortcoming was the lack of sunshades for bus passengers. These two
issues, I hope, will be resolved.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Pedestrian bridge fails to lure capital jaywalkers
ABU DHABI // Residents and visitors darting through
high-speed traffic to get to Abu Dhabi Mall is an all-too-common sight.
The “no pedestrian” signs, a footbridge across to the mall
and another near Le Meridien Hotel are being routinely ignored by many and even
a Dh200 fine for jaywalking has failed to deter hasty pedestrians.
At 4pm on Monday, in a 30-minute period The National counted
42 pedestrians crossing three lanes of traffic to and from Abu Dhabi Mall. Less
than half that number took the stairs.
Many find it easier to take the risk and dash across the
street. Among the jaywalkers were two couriers, a woman and her young daughter,
a pregnant woman, two women wearing abayas, an Abu Dhabi Co-op staffer with a
trolley filled with groceries, men in business suits, and groups of mall shop
workers.
A 27-year-old banker, who did not wish to be named, said a
jaywalking ticket would not deter him from crossing illegally.
“I got a fine about three years ago,” he said. “I’m so tired
and I just want to get into my car now. I just don’t care if I get a fine right
now.”
In March 2008, police raised the fines for jaywalking to
Dh200 from Dh50, saying the lower penalty had failed to deter pedestrians.
The elevator installed near the pedestrian bridge had also
done little to encourage pedestrians to use it, he said.
“It takes five minutes each to get up and down,” he said.
“They need to do something about it.”
On Monday, the entrance to the elevator was cordoned off by
police tape.
“This elevator is for the physically handicapped, visually
impaired persons and senior citizens only,” a sign read.
A security guard said jaywalking tended to be a group
activity.
“At 6pm, they all come in groups,” he said. “It’s illegal
and dangerous, but they prefer to cross the road.”
Two Filipina service crew were apologetic when asked why
they had crossed the road instead of using the footbridge.
“We’re really sorry,” one said. “We know it’s wrong but
we’re late for work.”
Police are stationed near the mall to conduct random
inspections and issue jaywalking fines.
“They’re usually here at 7pm,” the mall guard said.
Sajith Raj, 27, a fireman in Abu Dhabi for five years, said
it did not make sense for people to dash across lanes of traffic and put
themselves in harm’s way.
“I always use the bridge when I visit the mall,” said Mr
Raj, who crossed over with four friends. “Apart from being dangerous and
illegal, a lot of time is wasted waiting until the vehicles pass.”
Mani Alumuthu, 42, a marketing officer who has lived in Abu
Dhabi for four years, agreed.
“The Government built this bridge with the pedestrians’
safety in mind, but unfortunately only a few are using it.”
In February, Abu Dhabi Municipality announced measures to
improve the safety of pedestrians and road users. Pavements have since been
widened and standardised, new fencing to prevent jaywalking has been erected
and electronic directional signs have been installed.
The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrol Directorate reported
in July that its campaign “Towards Reducing Serious Injuries and Death Rates
Caused by Run-Over Accidents” resulted in a 59 per cent fall in deaths caused
by run-over incidents in the past five years.
“But the majority of the residents lack a safe traffic
culture,” said Ramesh Menon, a technical officer at an oil firm in Abu Dhabi
and a resident for 25 years.
“It’s very sad to see women with their children who
repeatedly cross the road in undesignated areas. They are supposed to educate
them and spread road safety awareness and help save lives.”
All pedestrians and cyclists should remember they have a key
responsibility for their own safety, said Dino Kalivas, chairman of the driver
education and training committee at the International Road Federation.
“They should stop one step back from the kerb or shoulder of
the road if there is no walkway and listen in all directions for approaching
traffic,” he said.
“They should also think about whether it is safe to cross
the road, when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped, and observe the
traffic lights and signals.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Avoidable turmoil - Gulf Today - Short Take - Dt 14-09-2014
Avoidable turmoil
These days, when one opens the newspapers, it is filled with
stories of atrocities happening around the world. The sufferings of people are
beyond explanation. In particular, women and children. There is absolutely no
safety for them and they end up as the first, fast and easy prey for the
tormentors.
Reading about the killings, I wonder why humanity has gone
back to the bygone era, when the world is highly advanced in terms of
technology and expertise.
Where there are no man-made calamities happening, we hear of
natural disasters. The recent floods in India, Pakistan, Philippines and other
countries are of high magnitude. It will take several years to rebuild what has
been destroyed. Let us at least try and strive to reduce the emotional
difficulties of those affected.
Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today, Short Take Dt. 13 September 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Learn French and let us communicate in French
Learn French and let us communicate in French
In order to encourage the learning of French, Mr. T. K.
Jayaraman has prepared a video course
entitled, " Let us communicate in French" . The duration for the
level A1 of the course is 150 minutes, consisting of 43 lessons. The course is
available to all subscribers in the site unic.tv. The onetime subscription of
INR 500 is kept deliberately low so that all students can afford the course.
Once subscribed, the learner can learn at his/her own pace while online.
Please feel free to share this information with your
contacts about the availability of the course.
For advanced learners, the higher level of this course will be online shortly.
For advanced learners, the higher level of this course will be online shortly.
Click here to visit the “Let us communicate in French” site.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Woman of substance - Short Take - Gulf Today - 06 Sepetmber 2014
Woman of substance
A few days ago, I had an opportunity to interview a young
UAE local girl student. She was just back after winning a scholarship to attend
a prestigious international seminar in Paris. Initially, she was reluctant to
speak.
After I convinced her of the importance, she gave me 10
minutes for the discussion.
Slowly opening out, she started talking about her school and
college education and then her first work placement as an intern with a reputed
government organisation. After gaining adequate skill on the job training, she
moved on to her first real job at a national oil company.
True to her nature, she has become one of the key Corporate
Social Responsibility representatives of it.
Intelligent and willing to learn more, she is simultaneously
learning International Law and Diplomacy at a prestigious university. The
intensive programme makes her attend the classes five days a week in the
evening. For any ordinary person, this is already more than what one can take.
It was the above two qualities that helped her get selected
to attend this prestigious scholarship in France. She was one among the 120
students who made it from different countries. It was a great experience for
her as she learned technically and culturally a lot from it.
In turn, she represented herself as ambassador of the
country clarifying the queries of her fellow students about life in the UAE.
Here is the difference I made out within that future
achiever. Keen to contribute more to the society, she is already working on her
family business to establish a series of business enterprises in the emirates.
Once opened, it will be a set of state-of-the-art medical
facilities of quality and class within the satellite towns of Abu Dhabi. She
has identified the need for the requirement of quality healthcare in that area
and almost through with the establishment procedures.
If I am correct, when this facility is inaugurated, she will
be the youngest UAE local woman entrepreneur in the medical and health industry.
Girls like her are an asset to this country and inspiration
for the future generation. Leaving her office after about an hour, I sincerely
wished her the best in her future endeavours.
Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today Dt. 06 September 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today Online
Monday, September 1, 2014
Safer roads require better monitoring - The National Dt 02 September 2014
Safer roads require better monitoring
In reference to your story, Heavy traffic but no major road issues as UAE goes back to school (September 1), it is indeed fortunate that no untoward incidents occurred on the first day of the school after summer break.
However, yesterday I witnessed examples of reckless driving.
One involved a bus carrying labourers on Sheikh Zayed Street along Abu Dhabi’s eastern corniche. It recklessly cut across lanes and sped off. It had no signs on it to indicate which company was providing the service.
This shows the importance of the police monitoring the roads from their control room so that when this kind of dangerous driving is detected, a patrol car can intervene before an accident follows.
I also believe this class of vehicles should be restricted to the slow lanes.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
The National Dt. 02 September 2014
To read it in original, please visit The National online
Sunday, August 31, 2014
A significant chapter in the UAE’s history - The National Dt 1 September 2014
A significant chapter in the UAE’s history
With regards to your coverage of the new national service
programme (A proud moment for the country and its citizens, August 31), it is
indeed a proud moment for all of the country and especially those who are lucky
enough to be in the first batch of recruits.
I am sure the programme will mould a generation into
citizens who are patriotic and proud to work for the good of the country,
keeping it on a path of peace and harmony.
It will not be easy for many of these young recruits as the
environment will be different from the one they are used to.
However, as true citizens of this country, they will, I am
sure, get up to speed with the tough requirements of the programme. I am also
sure they will emerge as a generation who are always ready and willing to serve
their country.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
The National Dt. 1 September 2014
Sheikh Hamdan's endurance win - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 31 August 2014
Sheikh Hamdan’s endurance win
Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for winning the endurance gold medal at the Altech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. It is an inspirational win, especially as conditions have been so tough for competitors this year. Let this win inspire all UAE athletes to excel in all sports they participate in.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
Unknown path - Gulf Today, Short Take Dt. 30 August 2014
Unknown path
At times I am confused about my urge to write my feelings
and thoughts on a regular basis. To write or not to write is always a dilemma
that I undergo, when I sit to pen my thoughts. However, I end up writing my
feelings at the end of the day.
Today too, is not different.
First is about the marriage of one of my nieces. I remember
the night she was getting ready to come out from her mother’s womb. It took
approximately 12 hours for her to finally land into this real world making all
of us happy to see a cute little girl arrive.
Priyanka grew up as a darling of all. She is getting married
now and I really wanted to witness the historical moment. Sadly, couldn’t make
it due to work reasons. I believe always that a girl child is an asset to the
family. I am sure she is and will be in her new role ahead.
The second is about a friend, Joe, who was leaving the UAE
for good after a nine-year stint. He was kind enough to part with me a huge
collection of books to use for charitable cause.
What has made his departure more special? That may be your
thought next.
True, it is special, as he is travelling a distance of
around 8000 km by road to his home country Switzerland from Dubai covering
several countries on the way. It will be a dream come true journey for any
motorsport enthusiast.
It is true that the journey ahead for all is always
adventurous. There will be always an unknown path ahead. It is how we walk our
steps that make us different each time. I am confident that both will be successful.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online
Old mopeds at Coimbatore - RUV of common man
A common scene from Coimbatore. You will get to see
all the old version of mopeds, still alive and in good running condition,
carrying more than what a three wheeler can!. See the load already ready and
imagine, two or three passengers on them any time and the picture will be
complete. They are the real utility vehicle (RUV) of the common man.
An old Peugeot Station Wagon
An old Peugeot Station Wagon car seen at Coimbatore. Once
these type of cars ruled the road between Abu Dhabi and Dubai as taxis. You don't
see them anymore.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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
Saturday, August 23, 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.
Friday, August 22, 2014
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
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
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
Monday, August 18, 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:
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
Saturday, August 16, 2014
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.
Thursday, August 14, 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
Monday, August 11, 2014
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.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
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.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
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
Thursday, July 24, 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
Monday, July 21, 2014
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
Saturday, July 19, 2014
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
Friday, July 18, 2014
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.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
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
Saturday, July 12, 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.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
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
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