July 4, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Juny 4, 2009

• Gulf News
• Published: 23:25 July 3, 2009
• 

Stepping in
Our pets - dogs, cats and birds - have been with us for years. We love our "rescued" pets a lot and made a commitment never to leave them. Instead, we take turns in caring for them, especially if one of us needs to go on a holiday for a few days. Because of this commitment, my husband had not travelled out of Dubai for 23 years. I know friends who vacation every year while their pets are left at home with someone new to take care of them. However, on return they would either find their pets dead or not well looked after. Often, I advise my friends against keeping their pets with a caretaker. They could go on a holiday every year and enjoy themselves, too, provided they take the trouble of paying and keeping their pets at a professionally-managed kennel or cattery. Unfortunately, they have always turned a deaf ear to my advice. Can anyone suggest what should be done with such people? It is disgusting to play with the lives of animals, as they cannot speak or complain.
From Ms Emma J.
UAE

Lesser women?
It was with some amusement that I read Ms Clarry Buenaventura's letter wherein she agrees with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy's views on the hijab or burqa ("Safe from victimisation, Gulf News, June 29). She further states that people must respect the culture of each country. Are we lesser as women if we cover ourselves? Is it better to go out almost naked or expose most parts of our bodies? Is that what makes one a woman?
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Easing travel
I request the authorities to start bus service from Bur Dubai or Al Qusais bus station to the National Paints Roundabout in Sharjah and to the Sharjah-Airport Road. This would ease the lives of commuters living in the area by reducing travel time.
From Mr Shahul
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Best way out
In order to support the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) initiative to use public transport, I decided to take a "test" ride on a bus from International City to Bur Dubai with my family of four. I was aware that I would be required to buy an e-bus card worth Dh18 but was willing to give up on the remaining sum of money as I had no plans to make any other immediate trip. To our surprise, the driver insisted that every individual buy a separate card as it could not be shared by family members. I chose the best way out to travel by car. Is the RTA serious in encouraging people to use public transport?
From Mr Stanley Cherian
Dubai

Plan for better use
[The increase in bus fleet] is good to hear, but the fact remains that a person travelling from Al Qusais to Bur Dubai has to still spend nearly two hours to reach a destination that could be covered in 30-45 minutes ("Dubai to have 1,800 public buses by end of the year," Gulf News, June 30). I suggest the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) categorise buses as super fast, limited stops and city buses. The super fast category could ply between major stations such as Al Quoz and Deira, Bur Dubai and Al Qusais, and Dubai Marina and Bur Dubai. The limited stops category could cater to six or seven major stops. Routes may be the same as the aforementioned stops but with more options. The city buses category could ply within the city limits such as from Shaikh Zayed Road to Satwa, followed by Bur Dubai and Abu Hail, Hor Al Anz and Al Riqqa in Deira. Recently, my friend had to move his residence from Al Qusais to Bur Dubai since it took him four to five hours to commute to and from work every day. I would request Gulf News to raise this matter with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), for them to plan the routes accordingly. By this, people can use public transport with ease and at more regular intervals. It won't serve any purpose if all 1,800 buses are assigned to ply within the city.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Thankful for transparency
I would like to thank Ms Linda Heard for her sound analysis ("Liberte includes freedom of dress," Gulf News, June 29). Nowadays, it is very difficult to distinguish between fact and opinion while reading reports. I particularly enjoyed Ms Heard's comment on the United States' involvement in Iran's political affairs. I was unaware of any such issue before I had read the piece. Now it is clear that the US has been pushing for regime change and quite possibly fuelling the flames of this fire since the elections started. Ms Heard, I'd like to commend your style of writing, as you portray the facts in a clear manner and conclude with your opinion, without any hidden agendas. I agree with most of your views, especially with your recent comment on the burqa. The media these days, especially from the West, has been missing the kind of transparency and integrity that you bring to your writing. Thank you for your hard work and keep it up!
From Mr Sami Lamrad
UAE

Extinct humans
Kudos to Gulf News for launching its "Endangered Arabian Wildlife" series. This initiative is a great step and in the right direction. Most of us tend to take Nature for granted and do not pay enough attention to other living beings on the planet. Rarely do we realise the role they play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Imbalance is the main cause for most natural disasters that we experience today. Nature is blessed with a wide variety of species - each one better than the other. This series will definitely create the necessary awareness and instill in us the need to protect our world. If we do not act now we may one day become endangered and extinct, too.
From Mr C. Sunil Roy
Dubai

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Your comments

Our family had to go to India urgently leaving behind our pet dog. Like human beings, they too go into trauma. As usual we kept him in a kennel in Umm Al Quwain. Keeping him away from us was agonising. The doctor explained us that we should feel that he is also on holidays with the other pets. We knew he was in safe hands. Before you own a pet, please ensure that you can take care of your pets like your own children. Be kind to them always.
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:55

We live in a world full of such self contradicting people. West and many westerners who claim to be broad minded and talk aloud for the equality of all don't really mean it: Burqa issue being an example. Tell me if you are truly broadminded to accept anything, then why so much burqa sensitivity?.... why is it that one covered head infuriates you so much, that a woman's choice to hide her physical self from others make you so edgy? Is this open mindedness?
A Reader
Ajman,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:55

I'm a Muslim who doesnâ??t wear the hijab or niqab, but took offense at Mr Sarkozy's comments. The hijab/niqab are not indicative of submission or subjugation, they are a personal choice. Mr Sarkozy is expressing a personal dislike of the burqa, and imposing it on the country. Are we to understand that there is no freedom of (religious) expression in France? Let us focus on tolerance, understanding and respect for different cultures and religions, rather than make inflammatory comments which will only serve to divide people further.
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:55

Referring to the French presidents most fundamentalist view of the burqa I would like to make a point here France and many European countries talk about freedom to equality, freedom to express and many about rights of these freedom to use then by saying burqa should be banned is he practicing what he preaches ("Liberte includes freedom of dress," Gulf News, June 29)? Let me make a point here I am a qualified lady worked with Corporate companies of Dubai for a good 8 years but unable to make it most of the time for one reason that is my â??hijabâ??. An irony indeed.
Shahida Al S.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:54

I am studying in SIS for the past 8 years and have not even seen any complain about SIS in any of the newspapers. But I never wanted the school to have evening shift. There were protests done by the boys in their block. So I ask the authorities to give SIS another chance.
Arensha Charles
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:54

I had four kids studying in SIS. This year the elder one completed his 12th. I am shocked from this news. I always believe that the school administration is very strict and follows rules and regulation. Around 8,500 students are studying in this school. Closure of this school will put the students and the parents into great trouble. It will be a punishment not to the school but to the students and parents. I request the Ministry to consider the situation and not to punish the students but could take some action against the school management.
S. M. Sadiq
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:53

I am an ex student of SIS. Though the level of education was good, it lacked a proper system. Shift for the senior boys was changed every now and then and caused a lot of stress to both students and parents alike. This began after the headmistress of the school changed and she began implementing her ideas with absolutely no proper thinking going into it. Even when the students tried raising their voice against it, they were suppressed every time. Though I am worried about the staff and students, I feel that the school authorities are completely to blame.
Mahwish Khan
India,India
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:53

I'm a 12 grade student of sharjah Indian school and have been studying here since nursery. My nieces, nephews and cousins are also studying here in lower classes. From my point of view the decision of the closure of sharjah Indian school should not be taken so soon. As it is the middle of the academic year, the senior students of higher grades will have to suffer a lot due to the closure. It will be much better if the building of the new premises takes place after the end of the current academic year.
A Reader
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:53

As an ex-sis student I donâ??t think the school should be shut down. Itâ??s for the purpose of education of 1000s of students not an entertainment activity. Itâ??s true they dint respect the law but still it would be better if they have fined them instead of closing down. At this time of recession most of the parents might have taken the decision very seriously and took admission for their children in the school and finally something comes up like this means it is difficult for all of the students.
Abdul R.
Ajman,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:52

I was shocked on seeing this article. I am a grade 11 student studying there and 1st term is over. I can't think of joining a different school in the middle of the academic year. I hope that the ministry does not go to such an extreme of shutting down the school forever. With a large number of students to accommodate and the less number of buses available opening evening shifts was probably the only alternative for the school.
A Reader
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:52

I am greatly concerned about the article regarding the closing of Sharjah Indian School. I was a student of batch 05' and am shocked to see such news about a very reputed school. I agree that the school disobeyed an important rule of the ministry despite warnings, but what should be more in focus over here is how many students and parents would have to face the consequences of such a decision. The situation can be resolved by imposing fine on the school and to give them an extension of date to build a new block.
Laya Thomas
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:52

About the Sharjah Indian School to be shut down for operating evening shifts - I am totally against this. This school is helping the community and low income group parents to educate their children, their fees are economical, in fact they are doing well for the community. The authorities should take up this opportunity to support such organisation which helps the community. Currently most of the school charges high fees, in fact the ministries here should develop school with nominal fees and educate the community here or at least support them in this effort.
Laxmi Konar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:51

Closure of SIS is shocking news as this would affect the future of over 8500 students. I believe that Ministry of Education's directive regarding evening shift came before the new academic year started. School authorities should have considered this while taking in new students this year. Let us hope this issue is sorted out before the end of summer vacation and the school reopens on time.
Ashwin Sasidharan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:51

Since the future of 8500 children is involved, some steps have to be taken immediately to reopen the school. Why should children suffer because of somebody else's fault?
A Reader
India,India
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:51

My son is studying in this school and we never had any complaints with the School. It is very unfair on the part of authorities to shut down a school having such good rapport with the parents. Action should be taken by fining in case of any irregularities in order to avoid repetition of such misappropriations. Students and parents are put to dare straits in middle of an educational year by such an action by authorities.
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:50

I couldn't breathe when I heard this news, first of all my salary has been deducted by 50 per cent due to which I had to pull my children out from Dubai school and got admitted in SIS. Now this news of shutting down of the school is unbearable. Please do not punish my children and 1000s like them who are studying in SIS. Please penalise the school but be lenient to the children, 1st term is already over, where will we parents take the children? We humbly request the MOE to please consider our helplessness
Philip
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:50

Running a school in two shifts or in the evening shift is not a big thing to be focussed now. This is a great job being carried out by the school management (SIS) to the Indian Community a standard education. I feel that the education ministry should accord the permission to run the school. When the education is shaping up in the form of open universities, remotely located study centres connected by satellites, the concept of evening shift is not a big deal to discuss.
S. Janardhanan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:50

Sharjah Indian School (SIS) is a high reputed school which has done humane services to the Indian community for many years ("Sharjah Indian School to be shut down for operating evening shifts," Gulf News, June 30). Thousands of students have benefited from the low fees. My daughter finished her schooling from SIS with flying colours and is now scheduled to join a high reputed U.S. university for PhD in mathematics on a full stipend. This was made possible by the excellent education she had from SIS. I believe the authorities must allow the school to continue functioning, which will be a great service to the Indian community in UAE.
Subramanian Chettiparambil
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:49

Recently we happen to witness a live show in commemoration of a leading superstar's 30 years of career in Malayalam film industry. Large numbers of people attended the show because of warmth and affection of the public towards the celebrity and due to the expected thrill and joyous moments of seeing him on live on the stage. The theatre was fully packed. But contrary to expectation the attitude by the superstar was not as admirable as he literally insulted the large gathering only by appearing few minutes and rendering few songs instead of his live shows. Most of the time he opted to sit inside the rest room leaving the entire audience disappointed and insulted. The show was nothing more than an ordinary orchestra .He must bear in his mind that people purchased tickets by paying hard earned money. This is highly condemnable gesture by a celebrity guest of his stature who has won many awards. Hope this public reaction should prevent other celebrities' similar attitude in the future.
A Reader
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:49

I had not heard what was going in the life of the music Icon THE MICHAEL JACKSON other then that he might have a last world tour ("Los Angeles to host memorial for Michael Jackson," Gulf News, July 3). Then suddenly one day morning I hear he is no more, the man had so suddenly and sadly left this earth without anyone knowing what really happened. Now that he is gone he is in the news, on TV on tabloids, in tea break conversations, in award ceremonies he is being mentioned he is everywhere. A man who had entertained us for two decades with his unusual voice and dances that has inspired so many musicians, singers, dancers of today. He gave us music which we have grown up to and he will keep on entertaining us through his music even after his death. The saddest part of life in these times is that you are alive in the minds of people as long as you can stir passion and when the passion dies you die with it. He is alive now in the minds of people again, only after his death. Bottom-line is you have to actually die to live in the minds of people.
Priya Ghosh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:49

I totally disagree, already in UAE there are lots of holidays. Children study only approx. eight months in a years. I think Education is most important thing nowadays. Also they can't finish the whole Course because of limited time. The CBSE Board exams also scheduled so it's very tough time for students to cope up this situation. I request to don't waste student's precious time. The main point is that Ramadan changes every year so what about next year?
Mariam Jamal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:48

The news of extended summer holidays for schools is welcomed by one and all. The ways to compensate the lost days can be wisely adjusted with the mid-term break which falls in winter. The season is very pleasant and a little longer working hour will be accepted too.
Ghausia I.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:48

My view of the subject of Extending Holidays would be based on few facts which are quite important: a) The no of working days are fixed by the international boards which are mandatory to be completed. How do we justify them? The option left is include Saturdays as working days, when other pupils (with extended hours) are staying home; few going to school would not be justified. b) Majority of parents are working with arrangement of day-support for few hours and vacations are planned in accordance so the vacation would make the world topsy-turvy for parents, children and school administration.
Manzar Waseem
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:47

The extension in summer vacation will result in increasing school hours and days. I think this will burden the student during the whole year and that they will not get holidays when required. They already have a more than 2 month's vacation and an extension is too much. The student will require weekly holidays and winter vacation, which they will lose due to the extension. I think its okay for public schools as most of the students there are fasting and their new academic year start's from September, but is not good for students who have just finished a term.
Pragna Kher
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:47

The concern shown by the Ministry Of Education for the private schools as well to remain close during Ramadan displays that those who fast will be grateful to get proper time to observe this month ("Ministry to study different options for private schools," Gulf News, July 3). Regarding the issue of portion to be covered I feel schools can make some plans to complete it on time, using Saturdays, afternoons' for extra classes where its required, at least last ten days would be like a boon for the Muslims. It's a genuine move which have more of positives for sure.
F. Raza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 04, 2009, 13:46

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