Only for the few
I completely agree with the report and I can feel the agony of the parents who want their child to get into a school ("Education is big business", Gulf News, December 11.) I urge the relevant authorities to take steps in curbing this malpractice so that education is not limited to only a special class of people. Some of the schools operating here are becoming a profit centre rather than a knowledge centre.
From Mr R.K.
Dubai
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Not right for the job
Unfortunately, ‘edu-preneurs' are not considering the qualifications, experience, aptitude and personality of teachers. They usually hire unskilled teachers with nominal wages on a father's or husband's visa and on a temporary basis. On the other hand, they are constantly escalating various types of fees and charges throughout the year — parents are being pressurised financially. The departments concerned have to devise a practical check and balance system. Teachers' performance, teaching methodology, tuition fees, academic results and discipline must be evaluated on a regular basis by the authorities.
From Mr Mohammad Shakeel Khan
Dubai
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A real challenge
Through these matches, the green-shirts — Pakistan's cricket team — have a golden opportunity to redefine and realign themselves as a coherent and united team ("Pakistan take firm grip on Bangladesh", Gulf News, December 10.) The real test for Pakistani cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq and his team will be against England in the UAE early next year, wherein their real cricketing skills and abilities will be tested against one of the best cricket teams in the world. Nevertheless, the matches against Bangladesh will provide the Pakistani cricket team a great opportunity to hone their skills and get ready for the rough and tough series against England.
From Mr Amr Ahmad Salaria
Missouri, US
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A noble action
Those two nurses have done such a noble thing of saving their patients' lives from the fire at a hospital in Kolkata ("Kerala nurses died valiantly while saving patients", Gulf News, December 11). I wish their families are given some support from the government. They hail from poor families and displayed the noblest gesture of saving lives. No value can be placed on precious lives. I wish their families are given some monetary support. God bless their families.
From Mr Eunice Doss
Dubai
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What is the compensation?
This is very sad news! There are no words to explain this great and courageous step. I offer my deep condolences to the families of the nurses. The government must come forward and financially support their families — that would be the best helping hand. I am surprised that when cricketers score a century, millions of rupees are offered. But it seems there was not a single private organisation that offered their support to these families.
From Mr Shabir Madhur
UAE
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Reward
When Indian cricket batsman Yuvraj Singh scored six sixes in one over, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave him one crore [Rs10 million]. Is there anyone who, as a reward, will give the families of the two nurses Remya and Vineetha a single rupee for their remarkable service? The answer is probably no.
From Mr Ashish
Muscat, Oman
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The black patch
It was perhaps the first time my wife and I had seen an eclipse this clear ("Year's second total lunar eclipse a rare celestial sight", Gulf News, December 11). We drove down to the corniche with pizza and soft drinks to watch it. For a short while it seemed darker than usual and it was quite scary to see a round black patch where the moon would normally be. It was an amazing experience.
From Mr Ali
Ras Al Khaimah
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Magazine cover syndrome 
This is a shameful act by Pakistani actress-model Veena Malek ("Defending a controversial nude photo shoot", Gulf News, December 10). Gulf News is doing a very good job by publishing this. Nowadays celebrities just want to be on the cover of magazines. She is playing with the emotions of the people of her nation.
From Mr Nadeem
Dubai
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