The cosmopolitan politician
Shashi Tharoor is under the illusion that he is an intellectual and that nobody can match his credentials (‘Shashi Tharoor: A man who courts controversy,’ Gulf News, October 15). His notion might be correct to a certain extent, but what he fails to understand is that he is working with Congress, one of the most corrupt, old political parties in India. Congress doesn’t expect statesmanship, ideologies or diplomacy from a person like Tharoor, who holds the key position of spokesperson. His attitude towards criticisms and poor people is also deplorable. Not to mention, how adversely affected he was on social media when there was criticism of his personal, as well as public life. Moreover, he is a Member of Parliament and he is expected to be loyal to his own party, not to the opposition. He won the seat in a closely contested election, only on the basis of caste vote. Ignoring all these issues conveniently and parsing the opposition party or its leaders is something unacceptable to any civilised society. Instead of parsing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he could have criticised his own party for a better future. If he is a cosmopolitan politician, Tharoor should outline his distinction with the rest of the parliamentarians when it comes to public service.
From Mr Girish Edathitta
Dubai
The price of stardom
We often see celebrities basking in glory after their successes, but we know little about the sacrifices they make on the way to that success. Recently, Sardara Singh led the Indian hockey team to a stunning victory in the finals of the Asian Games. They won a gold medal in hockey for India after 16 years. Incidentally, he was also the flag bearer for the Indian contingent in the opening ceremony held on September 19. What many of us do not know is that his grandfather had passed away just four days before the opening ceremony. Another such celebrity who made a big sacrifice was actor Shekhar Suman. In the early 1990s, he shot into fame with the hugely popular television series, ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’. At that time, his young son was suffering from a heart problem and was hospitalised for many weeks before his untimely death. In those days, Suman was caught in the dilemma of whether to further his career with hectic shooting schedules or spend time with his ailing son. To this day, he regrets not giving enough time to his son. Sachin Tendulkar also mentioned on his retirement day that because of his cricket tours for 24 years, he missed out on several special moments, like his children’s birthdays, their school functions and appreciating their achievements. These moments never come back. Sometimes just being a common man is a big blessing that we often don’t appreciate!
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
Dubai
Bringing opportunity
I think that enforcing the law of a residency cap for 20 years is not a bad idea (‘20-year cap on expat residency proposed in Kuwait,’ Gulf News, October 15). Such laws will give the new generation an opportunity for jobs, as there are a lot of people who have been in the same job for more than 15 to 20 years. Even though work quality and quantity will be affected, it would matter in senior positions. Such laws will definitely help the coming generation to have a chance to work abroad.
From Mr Lodhi Azmatullah Khan
Dubai
Website comment
Think twice
If the law is passed in Kuwait, I think expatriates will start to think twice if they are going to spend their life in that country. It would be something to think about considering that when they turn just 50 years old, they would have to leave. Come on, what would these people do after that? At that age, they are still working strong, but it becomes difficult to re-establish themselves in a new job.
From Mr Aristhotle Dungo
UAE
Facebook comment
Thankful to be in UAE
No wonder the UAE is one of the best Middle East countries to live in. We need to respect people, irrespective of their profession.
From Mr Raj
Dubai
Website comment
What about refugees?
I am just wondering if they considered the plight of residents who have left their homes due to unstable conditions in their countries. People from Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Libya, for example, would suffer with a law like this. What would they expect after the 20-year residency? Would they have to return to their unstable homeland? There should be some flexibility.
From Ms Pam A.
Dubai
Website comment
Testing the waters
The Indo-Pak border is burning with clashes happening between Pakistan and India (‘Pakistani and Indian armies discuss border clashes,’ Gulf News, October 15). Many innocent civilian lives have been lost in the scuffles between Pakistani and Indian soldiers. It seems that the Pakistani government is trying to provoke and test the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, with some belligerent action. It is suspected that some foreign elements are at work in the new scuffles at the Line of Control to make the situation worse. They want to fish in troubled waters!
From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel
Muvattupuzha, India
Wash your hands!
My parents and sister always tell me to wash my hands after I come back from school, after going outside and before eating meals, to name only a few occasions. I find it so irritating to wash my hands every time, but did you know that hand washing protects us from various diseases, like the life-threatening ebola virus? Washing hands is the first step towards cleanliness and hygiene. It is very important in this polluted world, and cleanliness is the mother of health. So, spread awareness, wash your hands, lather well and fight the germs that have crept onto your hands.
From Ms Rose Vincent
Dubai
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