Improving student development
In today’s fast changing world, it is imperative for children to keep pace with technology and its advancements (‘Quality of education needs to improve,’ Gulf News, December 8). However as a parent, I am of the view that technology is not the panacea for educational drawbacks.
The use of modern technology might open up a wealth of opportunities to children and make a teacher’s job easier, but one cannot totally ignore the traditional methods - especially in mathematics. Mathematics is one subject that allows children to work through the problem with pencil and paper. To a certain extent, the traditional method helps the critical thinking process. What actually matters is how one uses the technology. Skills remain the same, even to this day. Only the tools have changed. So, the right balance of modern and traditional methods will go a long way in nurturing young minds and ensuring an overall student development.
From Ms Priyanka Vikram
UAE
Good for the residents
The agreement for the Filipino housemaids is good for their protection and I think it will help with job security and safety (‘Resolution on Filipino maids shortage in UAE on the horizon,’ Gulf News, December 7). However, what about the protection of the employer?
From Mr Oliver
Dubai
Website comment
Leaders need to change
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is back in the news with elections in Delhi around the corner - so is Arvind Kejriwal, who heads it (‘Section of Indian media wants to ‘finish’ AAP, says Kejriwal,’ Gulf News, December 7). The baffling question remains as to why he ran away when he had the opportunity to rule Delhi for five years, although ironically with the support of the party against whom the AAP fought. If the actions of Kejriwal and some of his colleagues immediately after coming to power were of any reckoning, the common man would be more ready.
The party that started with a lot of promise and hope lost its way and let their success go to their heads when they jumped into the fray in the national elections that ensued. The result was too much ambition and too little achievement. If Aam Aadmi has to live up to its name, it has to change its approach and conduct. Rather than indulging in theatrics, they should come up with a concrete plan when they go to people again for their mandate. They are at the moment suffering from a credibility crisis. AAP is no longer a party of promise and hope. For this perception to change, the leaders of the party have to change too!
From Mr Ganeshan Srinivasan
UAE
Sad and inspiring
It is sad to see the lives of Iraqis affected in such a way, like this food delivery man facing many stops and issues (‘Perils of delivering pizza in Baghdad,’ Gulf News, December 8). In a city where its citizens face many dangers, I find it sad and inspiring to hear the risks this man is willing to take to help support his family. It makes sense why there would be a demand for this profession – not only is it dangerous and takes a lot of courage to deal with the check points and officers, the citizens of the city would rather eat in the safety of their own homes than brave the streets themselves.
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
Hard work paying off
Hats off to this girl’s will power to get well soon after undergoing numerous surgeries in order to walk on her own (‘Dubai girl with dwarfism makes amazing comeback,’ Gulf News, December 8). I commend her family who stood beside her through it all the time. God surely helps all who need help. Great work and efforts of the doctors and the caring nurses! God bless all.
From Mr D. M.
Dubai
Website comment
Changing India’s secular culture
To declare a Hindu religious book as a national scripture is an absurd move (‘Sushma pushes for declaring Gita as national scripture,’ Gulf News, December 8). India is a secular country, and it is emphasised in the preamble of the Indian constitution. It sets an example to the world nations and although India is having cultural, linguistic, social, religious and ideological differences, it stands as one nation. It is important, therefore, to show equal respect and cherish all religious beliefs. The Gita imparts knowledge to its readers and followers, but how can it be considered as national scripture? This move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will destabilise the secular fabric of the nation. This is not the actions of a secular democracy. The BJP government should withdraw the illogical decision and not mix religious agenda. It will polarise the country in the name of religion. Respect all religious beliefs and uphold India’s secular culture!
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Are we sovereign or not?
The European Union (EU) envoy, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, has no right to urge Pakistan to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine as he did recently. This he said while speaking before the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee. This is a blatant interference by the European Union and its representative into the foreign policy of Pakistan. It should be rejected by our foreign office and the parliament if we are a sovereign state. The recent warm-up of relations between Russia and Pakistan has been widely welcomed by the Pakistani public as an opportunity to open new opportunities for our foreign and defence policies, which is an eyesore for the US and the EU.
The role of Russia in the Ukrainian conflict has arisen mainly because of Western – EU and NATO – presence in the region in a once Russian-influenced territory during the former Soviet Union. It has no impact and should have no impact on Pakistan’s relation with Russia. Good and improving relations with Russia are in Pakistan’s national interest and should not be sacrificed on the altar of mismanaged EU foreign policy. An official rejection of Wigemark’s demand is paramount.
From Mr Ali Ashraf Khan
Karachi, Pakistan
Who knew her plan?
The murder suspect in the stabbing last week acted alone and wasn’t part of the terrorist organisation according to police, but who was she married to (‘Abu Dhabi murder suspect ‘not married to jailed Islamist’,’ Gulf News, December 8)? There were other people that were in the house when she was arrested and that was shown in the Abu Dhabi Police video that they released. How did they not have any involvement? I believe the police are doing a thorough investigation and will question them about the activities of the woman. They must have known what was going on, as she wasn’t exactly hiding anything.
From Mr Michael
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Was she brainwashed?
It is difficult to believe that this woman worked by herself. The article states that she was going on terror websites, maybe she was brainwashed into negative sentiments for foreigners, the same way as people who are recruited into Daesh. Who taught her how to make bombs? It cannot be that she is the only person who is to blame.
From Mr Suresh Balakrishnan
UAE
Facebook comment
Taken very seriously
This crime is an exception in the UAE, as this country has always been safe. They say she targeted the teacher based on race and nationality. All human life is important! This is an important issue so I’m sure the authorities are working through the investigation. There is no need to be biased about any nationality. Since the objective is unclear, you can be sure that the authorities will keep digging into the matter until they find the truth.
From Mr Furrukh Rao
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Survival of the fittest
The closing of exchange firms as some are merging is bound to happen (‘Trouble brewing for money exchange firms,’ Gulf News, December 8). There are many small dubious exchange firms out there and survival will be only of the fittest. However, at the same time the existing big names should not be allowed to enjoy a monopoly status.
I think that businesses with no background in the finance sector should not be allowed to have exchange firms set up. I hope the concerned authorities can look into this matter and provide a level playing field to everybody in the market, so the consumer gets the best services.
From Mr Clarence Lewis
Dubai
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
