Monday, October 17, 2011

Vote for Bu Tinah as one of the new 7 wonders of nature of the world







Ali Al Saloom EAD's Environmental Awareness Ambassador with Ayesh Al-Blooshi, Aquaculture scientist and Marine Biologist of EAD and Dr Salim Javed, Biodeversity Assessment and Monitoring Expert of EAD.




Bu Tinah Island coverage on DubaiONE


Emirati Island -Bu Tinah in Abu Dhabi.wmv

Ali Al Saloom EAD's Environmental Awareness Ambassador
speaking on the importance of preserving our environment.

Organisations and individuas in UAE are coming out with full support to make this dream come true in various. Here is an example of TOTAL UAE, naming one of their brand new meeting room as "Bu Tinah" after this prestigious and historic site now in contention for becoming the new 7 wonders of the world.




Vote for Bu Tinah as one of the new 7 wonders of nature of the world

Support Bu Tinah Text Bu Tinah to 3888 Vote online at http://www.n7w.com/ 
Visit The Bu Tinah Experience : http://www.butinah.ae/en/
Read how you can support us: http://www.butinah.ae/en/support.php

To see more pictures, please visit my album in Face Book
or bookmark a link of my blog section named Vote for Bu Tinah

http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/search/label/Vote%20for%20Bu%20Tinah

Please do take a few minutes and Vote for Bu Tinah at www.n7w.com

Chance to win a private tour to Bu Tinah Island

Environment show with Ask Ali

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Wish they were cricketers! India Seniors Volleyball team at Abu Dhbi airport


This is the Indian Senior Volley Ball team on their way back to Madras after winning a prestigious tournament. I met them at Abu Dhabi Duty Free. There was no fanfare, no one even asking them who they were.

I happened to meet them, the Indian Senior Men's Volley Ball Team members at the Abu Dhabi Duty Free on 28th August 2011. They were returning to Madras via Abu Dhabi after winning the 18TH NURSULTAN NAZARBAYEV PRESIDENT’S CUP INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN beating Tunisia in the finals held on 27th August.
Watching those unsung heroes moving around silently and unattended, I was thinking of the scenario then and there, if it were players from Cricket or other sports. I wish there exists a strong campaign to Promote All Sports Simultaneously (I call it Campaign PASS) so that all athletes get due share of accolades and privileges.
They were with established Volley Ball coach Mr. Sridhar.

Repeatedly, I was thinking, if this group belonged to a Ranji trophy or IPL team playing in India. No sports, other than Cricket get due recognition and popularity. Forget about the rewards for those who pursue it.

No wonder children or parents do not favor other sports these days. Money matters. Popularity too.

Indian Sports Ministry should come out with more support, as do organisations and individuals.

Sad to say,  I send this photo and news of the victorious return to several news media. But none were interested. Obviously, they are not cricketers!!!
These athletes do deserve due credits.

Ramesh Menon
16 October 2011

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Beauty of Bu Tinah - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

 


Beauty of Beauty of Bu Tinah - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

Off the western coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity. The Bu Tinah Island.

It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a campaign where people worldwide can vote and nominate the seven most remarkable, beautiful or otherwise awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.

Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats containing internationally important species. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins and endangered turtles, including hawksbills and greens, are all found in and around Bu Tinah.

The island’s waters are also  home to the planet’s second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.

Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere reserve is the region’s first and largest Unesco designated marine biosphere reserve. Closed to visitors, fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on Bu Tinah Island. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured.

A special campaign to vote Bu Tinah as one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. You may visit online www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

An exhibition with a daily presentation has also been organised by EAD at Abu Dhabi Corniche to intensify the campaign to vote for Bu Tinah. It is informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can vote in the designated kiosks set specially inside a dome-shaped replica of this nature’s treasure. Act fast, only 27 more days to end this campaign. Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online







Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

You may visit online www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

"Do not forget to include Bu Tinah".

Friday, October 14, 2011

Road Safety campaign by GULF NEWS - comments

Road Safety campaign by GULF NEWS - comments


To read and participate in the ongoin road safety campaign by GULF NEWS, please click the link below:

Right Dream - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 08.10.2011

Right Dream - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt. 08.10.2011


All for road safety - Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011

All for road safety - Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011
To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online:


You may also read more about the ongoing road safety campaign by Khaleej Times at:

Speed kills and you could be the killer

Safety First, let that be our motto.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A journey with memories of Late M N Vijayan on the occasion of his 4th death anniversary - 3rd October 2011

A journey with memories of Late M N Vijayan on the occasion of his 4th death anniversary - 3rd October 2011


 ചിന്തകള്‍ക്കും ചിന്തകര്‍ക്കും മരണമില്ല. ആശയങ്ങള്‍ ഫലപ്രദമായി ധൈര്യത്തോടെ എഴുതാനും തുറന്നു പറയാനും അത് മനസ്സിലാക്കിക്കാനും ഉള്ള കഴിവ് വളരെ ചുരുക്കം പേര്‍ക്കെ ഉള്ളു. ഒരു വലിയ പുസ്തകശേകരത്തിനുടമ. ഇപ്പോള്‍ അത് കൃത്യമായി സൂക്ഷിച്ചു പരിപാലിച്ചു പോരുന്ന അദ്ധേഹത്തിന്റെ സഹധര്‍മിണി ശാരദ ചേച്ചിയോട് മലയാള നാടിനു വലിയ ഒരു കടപ്പാട് ഉണ്ട്. ഓര്‍മ്മകള്‍ മരിക്കുമോ ഒരിക്കലും ഇല്ല.
അദ്ധേഹത്തിന്റെ വീട്ടില്‍ രണ്ടു വര്ഷം മുന്‍പ് സന്ദര്‍ശിക്കാന്‍ സാധിച്ചപ്പോള്‍ എടുത്ത ചിത്രങ്ങളുടെ ഓര്‍ വീഡിയോ സമര്‍പ്പണം ഇതോടോപ്പും ചേര്‍ക്കുന്നു.

To read more about Sri M N Vijayan, please visit the following link at Mathrubhumi:

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/special/mnvijayan/


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

2011 Mahanvami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രം ദീപ പ്രഭയില്‍ കുളിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് നവരാത്രിക്ക്  തുടക്കമായി




 ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രം ദീപ പ്രഭയില്‍ കുളിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് നവരാത്രിക്ക്  തുടക്കമായി.

 2011 ലെ നവരാത്രി / മഹാനവമി ആഘോഷങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് തുടകം കുറിച്ച് കൊണ്ട് തൃശൂര്‍ ജില്ലയിലെ ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍ ഇന്ന് ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സം തുടര്‍ച്ചയായുള്ള പൂജാ ആഘോഷ കര്‍മങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് തുടക്കം കുറിച്ചു.


കേരളത്തിലെ അതിപുരാതനവും വിഷിടവും ആയ ഈ ദേവി ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍  മഹാനവമി മഹോത്സവം പണ്ടുമുതലേ വളരെ വിശേഷമായി നടന്നു വരുന്ന ഒരു ഉത്സവമാണ്. നവമി കാലത്തെ ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സവും പ്രത്യേക പൂജകളും കലാപരിപാടികളും ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍ പ്രത്യേകമായി നടന്നു വരാറുണ്ട്. 
കന്നിമാസ്സത്തിലെ പ്രഥമ പക്ഷം തൊട്ടു നവമി വരെയുള്ള ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സങ്ങളും പിന്നെ വിജയ ദശമിയും കേമമായി തന്നെ ഇവിടെ ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. ഈ ദിവസ്സങ്ങളില്‍ അമ്പലം കുരുത്തോലകള്‍ കൊണ്ടും ദീപാലങ്കാരം കൊണ്ടും അലങ്കരിച്ചു പ്രത്യേക മണ്ഡപവും സജ്ജമാക്കി കലകാരന്മാരാലും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങളെ കൊണ്ടും നിറഞ്ഞു കവിഞ്ഞു ഇരിക്കും. ദുര്‍ഗഷ്ടമി നാളില്‍, അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ മുന്‍വശം, അതായതു പടിഞ്ഞാറെ നട, പഴുത്ത വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ കൊണ്ട് അലങ്കരിക്കുന്ന രീതി ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകത ആണ്. പല തരത്തില്‍ ഉള്ള വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ ദേശക്കാര്‍ തങ്ങളുടെ കൃഷി സ്ഥലങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന് വിളവെടുത്തു ഈ അവസ്സരത്തില്‍ അമ്മതിരുവടിക്ക് കാഴ്ച വക്കും. ഇത് ഒരു വാര്‍ഷിക ചടങ്ങും സമര്‍പ്പണവും ആണ് ഊരകം ദേശത്തിലെയും സമീപ പ്രദേശങ്ങളിലെയും ഭക്തര്‍ക്ക്‌. അതോടു കൂടി തന്നെ ഈ ചടങ്ങിനു ഒരു മത്സര സ്വഭാവവും നല്‍കുന്നു.

ഈ വര്‍ഷത്തെ മഹാനവമി മഹോത്സവം 27 സെപ്റ്റംബര്‍  മുതല്‍ ഒക്ടോബര്‍ ക്ടോബര്‍ 6 നു വിദ്യാരംബത്തോടെ അവസാനിക്കുന്നു. എല്ലാ ദിവസ്സങ്ങളിലും നിറമാല, സംഗീതോത്സവം, ക്ഷേത്ര കലാ ആചാരങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് അനുസൃതമായ് കലാ പരിപാടികള്‍ ഇവിടെ ഭക്തര്‍ തങ്ങളുടെ സമര്‍പ്പണമായി അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും അവ  കാണാനും ആസ്വദിക്കാനും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഒരു സുവര്‍ണ അവസ്സരം നല്‍കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.



മഹാനവമി മഹോല്സവത്തോടനുബന്ദിച്ചു ഉള്ള പഴുത്ത വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ കൊണ്ട് ഉള്ള അലങ്കാരം ഇവിടിത്തെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകത ആണ്. ദേവിയുടെ അനുഗ്രഹത്തിനായി ദേശക്കാരും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങളും പിണ്ടിയോടെ സമര്‍പ്പിക്കുന്ന വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ ക്ഷേത്ര ഗോപുരത്തിനുള്ളിലെ  പ്രത്യേകം അറകളില്‍ വച്ച് പാകപ്പെടുത്തി പഴുപ്പിച്ചു ക്ഷേത്ര നടപ്പുരയില്‍ ഇരുഭാഗത്തും അലങ്കരിച്ചു വക്കും. ചുരുങ്ങിയത് ആയിരത്തില്‍ പരം വിവിധ ഇനം കുലകള്‍ കുറയാതെ ഉണ്ടാവും അവ. ഈ കാഴ്ച അത്യപൂര്‍വവും ഊരകം അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകതയും ആണ്. പൂജാ വയ്പ്പ് ദിവസ്സം മുതല്‍ ഉള്ള ഈ ഒരു കുല വിതാനം കാണാന്‍ മാത്രമായി രാജ്യത്തിന്റെ വിവിധ ഭാഗങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന് ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങള്‍ എത്തി ചേരുന്നു.

2011  ലെ ഈ മഹാനവമി മഹോസവ കാലം നിങ്ങള്‍ തീര്‍ച്ചയും ഉറകം അമ്മതിരുവടിയെ ദര്‍ശിച്ചു സരസ്വതി ചൈതന്യവും ഐശ്വര്യവും സമാധാനവും ഭക്തജനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ലഭിക്കട്ടെ.

For more information, please contact:
Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple Advisory Committtee
Urakam P.O
Thrissur 680 562
Phone. Secretary 0944 7522 699 / Joint Secretary 0944 637172
News compiled by:  രമേശ്‌ മേനോന്‍, ഊരകം  Photos by Dheeraj Warrier, Urakam
27 September 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

Birthday wishes to Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi

Birthday wishes to Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi

My humble pranams to Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi. Be the guiding spirit, to do all good things, and shower love, compassion, affection to all those whom I interact with.
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu.


Certificate of Appreciation from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

Certificate of Appreciation from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services


Dear Friends,

It gives me immense pleasure to share with you the joy of receiving today a Certificate of Appreciation from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Service (SCHS), a non-profit organization located in the United Arab Emirates under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammad Al Qasimi for my contribution in the recently conducted 4th Used Book Fair.

The joy of interacting with the organisation and feelings I get while assisting those children and patrons involved is divine.

What I do for them is simple and not even comparable to the dedicated human effort offered by those assist them and involve with them on a day to day basis. I sincerely wish god gives me more opportunity to serve SCHS and other deserving individuals or organisaions, within my capability and capacity in future.

Sincerely,

Ramesh Menon
26. September 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

Clean up your medicine chest



I was alarmed by the unused medicines lying at the medicine chest at my home. I can imagine the reason, because, many times medicines prescribed are not consumed in full. This is the quantity cleared, usable and not expired during this week-end clean up.
Why not you devote a few minutes during this weekend to clear medicine chest at your home too.

I am sure, you will save some space, avoid children/elders taking medicines already expired.

I am not sure, these days, organisations take in those non-expired medicines that could be reused, if so, it will save money for some needy and come handy to those poor patients.

Any campaigners to take my thoughts, welcome in advance.

Ramesh Menon
16 Sep 2011

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Speeding traffic at Kuthiran Sastha Temple Trichur Palghat highway

Speeding traffic at Kuthiran Sastha Temple Trichur Palghat highway

The stretch of road in front of the Kuthiran Sastha Temple is the only place where there is no potholes and a bit wider than those leading to this point. Thus this stretch makes it extremely dangerous as Limited Stop buses plying between Trichur and Palghat speed each other to overtake at this point. However, stopping vehicles of devotees, slowing vehicles to throw coins hinder their progress and on two instances I saw near misses. As humps are not allowed on NH roads, for the safety of public, the residents or the panchayat of Kuthiran dig some bigger holes in this particular point so that these buses are forced to slow down. Hope, Police and road transport authorities make a note of this danger, if already not known. As usual, it is better to take a preventive measure rather than to do any after an incident happens. Honourable Ministers of Kerala - Shri Oommen Chandy Adv. V. S. Sivakumar, Shri V.K. Ebrahimkunju Kindly Note and take necessary actions.

തൃശ്ശൂര് പാലക്കാട് ഹൈവെയില് കുതിരാന് കയറ്റത്തില്ധര് ശാസ്ത ക്ഷേത്രത്തിനു മുന്നില് മാത്രമാണ് റോഡില് കുണ്ടും കുഴിയും ഇല്ലാത്ത ഏക ഇടം.. ഇവിടെ റോഡിനു വീതി കൂടുതലും ആണ്. ആയതു കൊണ്ട് തന്നെ റൂട്ടില് ഒട്ടുന്ന ലിമിറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റോപ്പ് പ്രൈവറ്റ് ബസ്സുകള് ഇവിടെ എത്തുമ്പോള്, മത്സരിച്ചു കടന്നു പോകാന് ശ്രമിക്കുന്നത് കാണാന് ഇടയുണ്ടായി. ഇവിടെ നിര്ത്തി അമ്പലത്തില് തൊഴാന് പോകുന്ന വാഹനങ്ങളും, ഇവിടെ സ്ലോ ചെയ്തു പൈസ ഇടാന് വേണ്ടി വേഗത കുറയ്ക്കുന്ന വാഹനങ്ങളും മത്സര ഓട്ടത്തിന് ഇവര്ക്ക് തടസ്സമാകുന്നു. ഒരു അപകടം ആയതിനാല് ഏതു സമയത്തും ഇവിടെ സംഭവിക്കാം. ഒന്നിലോ നാട്ടുകാര്. നാഷണല് ഹൈവെയില് ഹമ്പുകള് സാധാരണയായി പാടില്ലാത്തത് കൊണ്ട് വളവില് ഒന്നോ രണ്ടോ വലിയ കുഴികള് വെട്ടി വേഗത കുറക്കാന് ഉള്ള നടപടികള് നാട്ടുകാര് ചെയ്താല് നന്നായിരിക്കും. പോലീസും അധികാരികളും മത്സര ഓട്ടത്തെ നിയന്ത്രിക്കാന് ഉള്ള നടപടികള് എടുക്കുന്നത് വരെ ഇത് മാത്രമേ ഒരു സുരക്ഷാ പോംവഴി കാണുന്നുള്ളൂ.

ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട കേരള മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി, പൊതുമരാമത്ത് മന്ത്രി, ഗതാഗത വകുപ്പ് മന്ത്രി, എന്നിവര് ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചു വേണ്ട നടപടികള് എടുക്കുവാന് അഭ്യര്ത്ഥിക്കുന്നു ഭാഗത്തെ ഗതാഗതത്തിന്റെ ഒരു വീഡിയോ താഴെ കാണുന്ന ലിങ്കില് ഇട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. മത്സര ഓട്ടം നേരില് കണ്ട ദൃശ്യങ്ങള് പകര്ത്താന് സ്വയം സുരക്ഷ ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചു വിടെഒയില് പകര്ത്താന് ഉള്ള ശ്രമം ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചു.

മത്സര ഓട്ടം പ്രത്യേകിച്ചും കാലത്ത് ഏഴു എട്ടു മണിക്കാണ് കൂടുതല് അപകടകരമായി കണ്ടത്. കാരണം, ചില ബസുകളിലെ കണ്ടക്ടര് ഇവിടെ നാളികേരം ഉടക്കാന് നിര്ത്തുകയും (ഏതാനും മിനിട്ടിനുള്ളില് ഇത് നടക്കും - ബസ് സ്പീഡ് കുറയ്ക്കുന്നതും അവര് ഓടി ഇറങ്ങി നാളികേരം ഉടച്ചു തിരിച്ചു കയറും) അവസ്സരം മുതലെടുത്ത് പുറകിലെ ബസ് ഇവരെ മാറി കടക്കും. യാത്രക്കാര് പൈസ ബസ്സില് ഇരുന്നു കൊണ്ട് എറിയുന്നതും അപകടം തന്നെ. കാരണം അതെടുക്കാന് ഒരാള് ഇവിടെ കാന്തം വച്ച വടിയും കൊണ്ട് റോഡില് നടക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. അയാളും ജീവന് പണയം വച്ചുള്ള കളി തന്നെ ആണ് കളിക്കുന്നത്.

Sharanam sharanam bhagavane ayyappa devotional song by Nandakumar Perumpilavil

Sharanam sharanam bhagavane ayyappa devotional song by Nandakumar Perumpilavil

Krishna bhajan by Soumya Rathish

Krishna bhajan by Soumya Rathish

Padmashri Peruvanam Kuttan Marar perforIming at ISCC Abu Dhabi for Keraleeyam 2011

Padmashri Peruvanam Kuttan Marar perforIming at ISCC Abu Dhabi for Keraleeyam 2011



Ramayanam recital at Thodur Sri Narasimhaswami Temple


Ramayanam recital at Thodur Sri Narasimhaswami Temple

Monday, August 15, 2011

Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 - who is the real winner?


Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 -  who is the real winner?



I consider myself as very lucky to have watched the final of Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 yesterday, 14th August 2011, which turned out to be a REALity show in REAL.

What made the final interesting to me and blessed is the speech by Mr. Jagathy Srikumar. He was opportunistic and at his witty and pointed best to hit at several facts and factors involved in the reality show scenario happening these days.

The way he talked may be found unacceptable to many, but facts are facts. Even, the person he attacked on stage openly, the talented Ranjini Haridas, acknowledged herself, "yes I asked for it" at the end of his speech.

But, what made more real in this reality show of its kind making it extremely special was the appeal by the winner Adarsh, to have his father united with his mother, who both living separate currently. The union of both of them were more important for this boy than the 50 lakhs worth of flat he just received!.  Children are precious and those who are involved in such painful parting only will realize the pain involved. His appeal was made such in a way that it left several questions towards children of his status and those who were involved and tried or not to create a similar situation.

It also proved that we should never judge people by appearance as well as never judge or humiliate any contestant by mocking him / her.

Jagathi Srikumar was opportunistic and open to say the real truth. Congratulations to you sir and for talking the facts boldly and openly. Oru aana madham pottan thayyarayittulla oru avastha thankalil avide akshamanaayi irikkumbol kandirunnu. athu ingane aanu pottuka ennu maathram arinjilla. Actually, Jagathy Sirkumar should have been the one to give the winners prize. Jayaram and Jagathi were sitting next to next as if they were not known to each other.

May god bless all the talented artists who participated in the show, who aim for such prizes in the future. Who is the winner here? – Adarsh, other contestants, Jagathy (who took opportunity to vent his feelings), Ranjini Haridas (who took it in a sportive way and carried over – hope she innovate her style and come out with more better presentation techniques)?

Hope Ranjini Haridas now learn it in the right sense and Nazrin do not get carried away learning from her. Whether the speech was required or not required is not the question here? End of the day it was an eye opener to many. It became a real REALITY SHOW, with the appeal from Adarsh to his father to unite. The pain of a child of 16 years even after winning a 50 lakhs worth flat - he is longing for his parental union and love. Blessings and regards to all those contestants - You all are winners.




Ramesh Menon
15.08.2011

Independence day thoughts and wishes of a non-resident indian

Dear Friends,
A sincere wish to all of you on this happy day.
While we celebrate Independence Day festivities in our own small way at our community, how much more we can contribute as a community to the society around is the question in my mind.
In my own small way, I have been pursuing two items with interest with various government authorities and append them below here for your reading, information and further support:

Pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi Railway / Bus Station area
This is an item for all those who use the railway and bus stations. I had noticed it during my visits and Bala Sirs email prompted me to post it with relevance in Praja.in and highlight it to the authorities concerned, including the Councillor and Railway authorities. They are now aware of the situation, but as you may know it is a bigger problems, and several hands have to be united to take it further. South Western Railway have come back saying that crossing the railway track is a trespassing activity, however, including their own staff have to use this option for easy access. Otherwise, they have to take the road bridge and a longer route of almost 2-3 kms to reach the station or the medical / shopping /educational facilities around in our side.
If anyone of you concur the need for an over bridge in that area, please do post your comments and words of support, as I have highlighted the above post and link to various authorities, social activists and press, who will take it up further in the coming days. Need your support and helping hands in this.
A Star on the Road Programme
We have been seeing numerous auto stations coming up in our area recently.
In April 2011, during my visit, I developed a medical emergency on the way to KR Puram in an auto and was helped, supported and assisted throughout by the driver, whom I hired from in front of our gate. I met him previous day, and finding his driving and conduct good, I had taken down his number and contact and had called him that morning to go to KR Puram. He was there throughout the time till I became OK, with me and my wife, and till the time other friends came with emergency support. I was impressed with his responsible act and conduct during the time of an emergency.
I took this up with Bangalore City Traffic Police, with whom I had been communicating on various traffic related issues. The thought of identifying and honouring him and similar public servants came up and I suggested to have a programme named “A Star On The Road”. 
In the process we had several communications, verifications going back and forth, considering the main scenario that in Bangalore, an auto can be driven by several persons and if an auto was driven by a good driver and it is given a honour, that same night, it could be driven by someone who is dangerous and can indulge in a dangerous activity. So, discussions on pros and cons of this citation were taking place till this time.

I am happy to inform you all that Bangalore City Police have come back today that they will consider this suggestion and programme further and will consider him and other such drivers, acts for this rewarding programme, which will be launched shortly.  It is also intended to cover several road safety aspects and values. I hope this programme will bring positive vibes into driving habits happening in our city.
The first one to benefit will be the auto guy from our area, whose conduct has been checked and verified by them already.

I believe, I am never away from my community at any point of time.

Due regards to all of you and do spare a few minutes for our community for collective benefits for all of us as individuals and as a society.
Jai Hind.

Ramesh Menon
15.08.2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

Request for Pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi Railway / Bus Station area

Request to Railway authorities to consider a pedestrian over bridge / BMTC to extend the Volvo Buses to the other side of the new Over Bridge / and to provide more electric lighting at Kadugodi Railway Station area.





With the arrival of the over bridge facility at Kadugodi/Whitefield area residents are now facing a new problem. Public travelling from and to Kadugodi bus station are facing insurmountable difficulties. Most of the time, one or two goods trains are parked across the railway gate, fencing the entry gate from Kadugodi end. In addition, digging of drain is restricting people crossing over. To add more there is absolutely no light and complete darkness prevail at night. All these make public to risk their life and property while crossing the railway gate to reach either side.



Problem is greater for women carrying children, old/handicapped/sick people and those carrying luggage.



The Kadugodi Bus station is very convenient to all and majority of the public who uses it live on the other side of the bus station. Everyone will agree that it is impractical for pedestrians to cross over by using the fly over, which has become dangerous even for motorists due to darkness and displaced road dividers.



Could the Railway authorities kindly consider addressing this issue affecting a large population who depend on this route by providing a foot over bridge.



Secondly, could BMTC extend the bus routes, more particularly volvos, to the other side of the railway gate. There are several buildings and residential complexes coming up on this side and both BMTC (by way of added revenue) and public (by safe and convenient transport option) could benefit from this move.



I humbly request the authorities along with the Corporator and Legislator/ MP ofKadugodi area to consider the following items (request) and make this development made available as early as possible.:



Request to Railway authorities to consider a pedestrian over bridge / BMTC to extend the Volvo Buses to the other side of the new Over Bridge / and to provide more electric lighting at Kadugodi Railway Station area.



I hope those who are from Kadugodi area will feel the necessity for an immediate requirement of this and support this request.



Sincere regards,



Ramesh Menon
7 July 2011

Working around the clock - Bangalore Traffic Police

Say No To Bribe - it is Cancerous