Responsible for partition
I agree, albeit partially, with Jaswant Singh's statement ("BJP leaders flayed for praising Pakistan founder," Gulf News, August 19). It is a fact that Jawaharlal Nehru was responsible for the partition of India, too. This, despite the fact that Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was ready for a united India as long as he was made the prime minister. Others, including Mahatma Gandhi, were willing to agree to this arrangement except for Nehru, who was adamant to become the first prime minister of India, whether united or bifurcated. Therefore, both Jinnah and Nehru were equally responsible for the partition of India.
From Mr Jawahar P. Sekhar
Dubai

Lest you forget
Thank you, Gulf News for the daily chuckle - what's the best way to end a relationship ("Your Turn," Gulf News, August 19). With a post-it note of course! I'd never heard of this method before, but I'd love to give it a try. People tend to forget, so a post-it note should clear all the confusion by reminding them every now and then.
From Mr Avinash J.
Dubai

One for all
My expensive mobile phone was stolen recently. A friend suggested I report the incident to the police. I had no hopes of retrieving my phone, as it had been 10 days since the incident. Nevertheless, I went to the Al Qusais police station and lodged a complaint. The place where the crime took place was immediately investigated and in less than a week my mobile phone was returned to me! Through Gulf News I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the policemen who ensure our safety and security, irrespective of our backgrounds and nationalities. Please keep it up.
From Ms Huda Elawadi
UAE

Selfless service
A nice report ("Postal service is celebrating 100 years," Gulf News, August 17). I, too, have been collecting stamps since 1978 and have a few albums and more than 100,000 stamps, though many are damaged. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the UAE's postal service department for completing 100 years and would like to commend the selfless service of its employees.
From Ms Dora Castelino
UAE

Losing time and respect
Why are some people so arrogant while talking on the phone? A short while ago I received an official call from a person who wanted to speak to a colleague. Since my colleague was unavailable at the time, I requested the caller to call back a little later and enquired about his contact details. The caller refused to give me his name or number and instead chose to argue for no apparent reason. He added that he was very busy and could not waste time on such calls! Was he not wasting time by arguing during the course of the conversation? Such people should know that by behaving in such a manner they lose respect.
From Ms Bindu Nair
UAE

Humiliated for Dh30
A few days ago, my family and I decided to watch a movie at a cinema, located inside a popular mall. While purchasing the tickets, a representative at the counter asked the age of our baby. When I informed him that she was 22 months old, he threw the tickets back and asked us to buy an additional ticket, adding that our baby looked more than two years old. Additionally, he refused to let us in. The manager decided to do the same. I was humiliated, since there were people around who probably thought we were lying to save Dh30!
From Ms N. Fatima S.
Dubai

Know who you are
I am from Kerala, India where some people believe that the sign of success and good health - for people returning from abroad - is the amount of weight he or she has put on ("Exercise and diet vital to healthy lifestyle," Gulf News, August 22). Unfortunately, this is usually the sole criteria to receive compliments, too. As a certified yoga trainer, I applaud Gulf News for educating people on such topics. Almost everyone I know is involved in exercise activities and regimes, without realising that these may not be applicable to their body type. Choosing the right fitness regime can have a positive impact on one's body in more ways than one. Each individual must be selective in choosing the right exercise, based on their lifestyle, health and fitness, commitments and, most importantly, body structure and food habits. Ignoring any one aspect could lead to exhaustion. Additionally, it is important that we do not compare ourselves with another person's fitness level. Instead, be regular, enthusiastic and don't shy away from taking expert advice. Realising this is the first step to leading a healthier lifestyle.
From Mr Maheshkumar S.
UAE

Benefits of a single parent
I had been exercising in a gym for five days every week, for the past three months. I would do vigorous exercises for about an hour and a half. However, I didn't lose a single kilogramme in the three months that I exercised, simply because I could not follow a proper diet regime. As a Bengali who loves to eat, the process became even more difficult. I am not overweight, but wished to exercise to reduce the fat in specific areas, which is one of my concerns. Three years ago, I had lost almost nine kilogrammes in seven months, without visiting a gym. This was because I would walk with my daughter for at least three kilometres every day, irrespective of the weather. This was a time when I was staying on my own, while my husband was away on a project. Therefore, I had only myself to depend on to take care of our two-and-a-half-year-old baby and myself. No gym can compensate for the benefits I achieved from the forced single parenting.
From Ms Surma Sarkar
Abu Dhabi

Laundry, not ugly
This is with regard to a community report published in Gulf News, recently. The community reporter had a problem with residents hanging their laundry on their apartments' balcony railings, citing that this ruins the facade. I would like to ask what is so ugly about washed laundry? At present, I have to use a dryer to dry clothes. However, if given a choice, I would dry my clothes on the balcony railing or clothesline simply to save energy. I hope the authorities consider my suggestion as we could save energy for the benefit of the environment.
From Ms M. Sorensen
Sharjah

Need to check
I got my car tinted two months ago and do not know whether I am within a 30 per cent limit or not ("Tinted windows 'keep us cool'," Gulf News, August 22). There is a need to install dedicated units at all petrol pumps to check if a car is within the assigned legal limit or if a motorist needs to have these replaced.
From Mr Sanjay More
Dubai

Fair deal
A 30 per cent tint is a fair deal. Additionally, why must we bother about what the driver or his car looks like? Accidents happen when people get distracted.
From Mr Syed Shaheer
Dubai

Valuable for everyone
The idea holds value to a certain extent, considering the total compliance with Sharia law ("Dubai Bank says all female staff must wear abayas," Gulf News, August 22). However, non-Muslim women, by virtue of their attire, could be mistaken as being Muslim unless they wear a badge with their name on it. A "thinking" organisation can implement a policy to its liking, as long as it benefits all parties concerned and is rational enough to satisfy its stakeholders.
From Mr Reuben Smile
Dubai

At all times
I am a non-Muslim woman and was a resident of the UAE for several years. I think the new dress code rule is excellent. Additionally, I wish that all residents and visitors dress in a modest manner at all times, especially in public places. The UAE is after all a Muslim country and one that is very tolerant. This should not be forgotten.
From A Reader
Gothenburg, Sweden