Importance of people
What is it about work that makes one love it? Is it the job, people, salary or the environment? It’s hard to put it into words. I would say it’s a combination of all of these factors. However, a positive energy allows all of these factors to come alive and transform us into our true selves. Perhaps for some, it could be just the salary to motivate them or for others it’s the job itself. The most important and irreplaceable factor is people we work with. I put my personal experience here as an example. People at my workplace are the reason I have accomplished so much today. I started off as a rookie, not knowing where to step. I found my identity by being with them. You can’t replace people because they give you such an extraordinary experience to remember.
In fact, it is the people in my life who found in me what I never knew myself: my spirit. Positivity comes with people who are willing to learn and do their best. However, when you are surrounded with people who are willing to go an extra mile by supporting each other, that is when your work takes a happy place in your heart. Fortunately, I have been blessed with such colleagues.
From Ms Sumera Malik
UAE
We are united
The solidarity march against the death of the three Muslims has shown the world how united we are in the world (‘Thousands at US funerals of Muslim ‘hate crime’ victims’, Gulf News, February 14). Immediate action should be taken against the culprit of this hate crime and there should be a trial as per the law. May God give peace and strength to the families of those who have lost their lives in this massacre.
From Mr Lodhi Azmatullah Khan
Dubai
Website comment
Public etiquette
The other day I was sitting in one of the medical centres in Sharjah and while I was waiting for my turn to see the doctor, I saw another visitor sitting and continuously talking on the phone to his close friend in a loud voice. He was talking about his personal matters, joking around and talking about things that the general public doesn’t need to know or hear. Also, it was looking so awkward that instead of maintaining silence at such a place, this man is laughing loudly and chatting non stop with his friend. It really put me off as I was not feeling well to begin with! I am sure even others who were waiting there, the patients and their companions, were getting irritated at this nuisance as well.
I would like to request people to be decent and learn how to behave in public places – especially in hospitals and clinics.
From Ms Madhu Madan
Sharjah
Our greatest challenge
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s regime is guilty of using weapons that are banned under international law. Yet, 200 people are being killed daily in Syria. The death toll now exceeds 400,000 with seven million people displaced in Syria and four million refugees in neighbouring countries. The brutal regime’s actions are a gross violation of international law as set out in the Nuremberg principles.
Any person who commits an act that constitutes a crime under international law is responsible and liable for punishment. International humanitarian law is the body of international law that governs the conduct of war. It sets out the parameters of what is legally permissible during hostilities and includes the Geneva conventions of 1949 and the additional protocol of 1977.
From what we know about childrens’ experiences in the Syrian conflict, the fact that they are increasingly becoming the victims of sometimes purposefully targeted attacks, one must question the efficiency of the legal protection available under humanitarian law.
Protecting innocent civilians is the most important challenge ahead for the United Nations and other international policy makers. More attention to human security above national security will help reduce cycles of conflict and instability. For how long will we quietly look at these animalistic scenes produced by inhuman behaviour of people in Syria. For how long will we be blind and tolerate the people that are fighting for their own interests at the expense of others?
From Mr Farouk Araie
Johannesburg, South Africa
Natural growth is important
Genetic influence and its negative effects on the natural growth of a child can never be ruled out (‘Facebook debate: Genetic research’, Gulf News, February 18). Tampering with genes of any kind, even with the best of intentions in mind, will not be able to yield the positive results researchers are looking for. The DNA factor plays a very important role. It’s high time the positive impact of the natural genetic process is understood and accepted by all. For sure the measures taken to design the babies as one’s choice is simply a misconception and impossible - you cannot deny the fact that the natural factors always outshine the outward artificial tampering of any kind.
From Ms Sudha Kathuria
UAE
Facebook comment
We tamper all the time!
Every technology will have a resistance during the initial phase and this is what is happening to the genetic findings as well. We need to understand this in a broader perspective. Like cloning, this also has its own major advantages and disadvantages. Genetic modification resulting in disease-free or trouble-free human beings will shape a better future. All we have to do is make sure that this is done in a controlled environment with the right motives.
Genetic engineering definitely has some inherent risks and we need to analyse thoroughly and find solutions to mitigate them. Be it cloning or genetic modifications, it is a breakthrough with infinite solutions for our day-to-day problems. There are millions of people who die because of lack of available organs from donors. There are so many couples in the world who are bereft of the pleasures of having a child. All this can be resolved through genetic modifications with strict laws to ensure the prevention of misuse.
It is true that we tamper with Nature, but this has been the case with all inventions: aeroplanes, spaceships or even cooking! In our quest for the truth, our damage to Nature is a progression and this can never be avoided unless we shun all modern things we have in life and live as ascetics. Hence, let us accept this as a way forward for eradicating a lot of physical and physiological anomalies.
From Mr Murugesh Sambasadhasivam
UAE
Mistakes made
It is a pity that despite the Decision Review System (DRS) in place, the umpires and the match referee had made a mistake in the match between Australia versus England (“Bailey salutes match stars Finch and Marsh”, Gulf News, February 15). Once the field umpire had declared James Taylor out because of leg before wicket (LBW), the ball becomes dead. Hence there is no question of giving the batsmen a run out. Had this happened to an Australian, would the captain say that he doesn’t know the rules? They always would like to win a match by hook or crook. Here, not only the umpires, but even the match referee were mistaken. Cricket being a game of uncertainty, with eight overs left, Taylor, with his form could have turned the tables as even the Aussies scored about 110 in the last 10 overs! I feel the match should be declared null and void. A rematch is the best way to atone the International Cricket Council (ICC) mistakes!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Dubai
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Not healthy
In a weekend Gulf News edition that was published, an article spoke about being prepared to lie if you want love in your life (‘Want love in your life? Be prepared to lie’, Gulf News, February 14). Come on, this can’t be serious. Lying is wrong – period. Not to mention, it is a sin in every religion. If you have to lie, then you have to lie to cover up that lie and so on. It never ends.
One needs the truth to love. Whether the truth is harsh or kind, one has to deal with the consequences either way. This is the best way to love and to live. We need articles that are better for society.
From Dr Irshad Suleman Valli
Dubai
People lie
I don’t think that there is anything called love. It’s just an emotional attachment, and it’s true that people lie every 10 minutes. People do not hold trust in themselves and there is only one relation with love on this earth, and it’s the one you have with your parents.
From Mr No’man Sami
Dubai
Website comment
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