Those days bring me smiles
I have many nostalgic memories of my time in school (‘School: Life’s defining chapter for most,’ Gulf News, September 6). Even though I went there 28 years ago, it seems like it was only yesterday. I think that this is more so because social media has brought us back in touch with most of the friends we grew up with. We value that phase of growing up together more now and recall how beautiful it was. We made some lifelong friends there. We studied in a convent school, so it was a very protected environment.
We didn’t think of the world outside the school gates, but in due course our most favourite teachers, especially Sister Flavian, Sister Maribel and teachers like Ms Rao taught us the ways of the world and got us ready for the world outside. It was a gradual transition and we are better and confident human beings because of them.
We idolised our teachers and thank them today for the discipline they instilled in us. That time in our lives taught us the value of friendship when we learnt to share whatever little was provided to us.
Those days still bring a smile to my face when I think of them. I make sure to share my experiences in school with my daughter so that she learns and carries similar memories ahead, when she is ready to step out.
Thank you Gulf News for the beautiful article, which brought a smile to my face when I sat with my usual cup of tea to flip through the pages.
From Ms Isha Tandon
UAE
Teacher appreciation
I am studying in grade nine at the Indian High School, Dubai and I understand that teachers are an extremely important facet of any society for a multitude of reasons (‘Modi’s speech reaches out to country’s students,’ Gulf News, September 6). They are the people who educate the youth of society, who in turn become the leaders of the next generation. Teachers are teaching children and imparting knowledge upon them in their most impressionable years.
I believe that what we learn from our teachers at a young age will most likely stay with us for the rest of our lives. Teachers work so hard for us, but I feel ashamed thinking that they are the least paid. I strongly support change in this system and hope to see it soon. I think it is important for teachers to be paid well so that they are motivated enough to guide us pupils.
From Ms Madhuli Kango
Dubai
A choice
Women should not be forced to wear or banned from wearing abayas (‘Anti-abaya decision annulled,’ Gulf News, September 6). I believe it should be our choice. I wear an abaya, and I must admit that at first I was strongly against wearing it at first, but I later realised that it is protecting women, not suppressing them.
When I started wearing it, I felt very comfortable in this dress. So please, let these decisions happen on their own.
From Ms Sherin
Qatar
Website comment
Being respectable
The minister made this decision after she noticed that some of the women were not dressed appropriately underneath their abayas. I guess this makes sense in order to not misuse its purpose. I think that this also means that being respectful in the way you dress in a public space matters.
From Ms Mel
Dubai
Website comment
Misusing power
I think it was a gross misuse of power. Just because she doesn’t wear an abaya, doesn’t mean that no one else should. Some Muslim women who don’t wear abayas don’t have to force this on those that do. It makes women feel like they are closer to God.
From Mr Saajidh
Doha, Qatar
Website comment
Respecting values
I think she wants to create her own culture in the ministry. If she is looking for this type of atmosphere in the workplace, then she should move to the private sector. As long as she is working for a public organisation, which represents traditional people, she must respect their values.
From Ms Mariam Diqs
Dubai
Facebook comment
More to come
I don’t think that 100 days is enough for any leader to make any significant changes (‘Modi’s 100 days: A mixed bag,’ Gulf News, September 6). It’s only a matter of time, but at least they are doing something for the country in this short amount of time. I think it is proof that he will continue to do more in the future.
From Mr Ako Si Melai
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Priorities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s performance on the whole has been fantastic. He has given a good account of himself, especially after his visit to Japan. He declared that he will roll out the red carpet for Japan and not the usual Indian ‘red tape’.
He continues conquering the hearts of the masses with his substantial promises and actions, especially in the field of hygiene. His long-term plan is to provide more toilets to the millions of poverty-stricken villagers in India, rather than enabling them to carry stylish mobile phones!
From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel
Muvattupuzha, India
A good job so far
Modi never committed to bringing the country dramatic change in only 100 days. But I do think that in these 100 days, he has done a good job and has made good decisions.
From Mr Ketan Patel
Dubai
Facebook comment
What has he done?
I think he needs to do more. Rape cases have been increasing, train fares have increased, religious discrimination is increasing, and we have lost three soldiers in terrorist attacks in Kashmir.
The one and only question is, what has he done in the past 100 days for children and women who are being assaulted?
From Mr Shafeek At
Dubai
Facebook comment
Much accomplished
I think Modi has done a lot. From what I have seen, petrol prices have gone down, inflation has decreased, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased. I also think that if you look at terrorism and riots, they have been under control. Even though three soldiers were killed, 16 terrorists were also killed.
From Mr Sha Milan
UAE
Facebook comment
More time needed
Rome was not built in a day. I think it is too early to judge any government, for that matter. Have some patience and give more time to see some substantial positive change.
From Ms Dinesh Khanna
Dubai
Facebook comment
More time needed
I agree that there has not been enough space for praying (‘Community report: Not enough space to pray,’ Gulf News, September 6). When mosques are closing after prayer time, you have 10 to 20 minutes to finish then the mosque closes. How are other people supposed to pray?
From Mr Sabri Sabriko
Dubai
Facebook comment
Planned plots
Plans for building a mosque should be planned simultaneously with the construction of residential and commercial structures. This way, there will be enough room for all.
From Mr Anees Mulla
Dubai
Facebook comment
Horrific deaths
I find the hanging of the two schoolgirls in Assam absolutely horrific (‘Two schoolgirls hung from same rope in Assam,’ Gulf News, September 6). Nobody deserves to die in such a brutal manner. It is extremely sad that young girls are so vulnerable to such crimes in India. I hope that those responsible for this crime are hunted down and punished severely.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
UAE
Facebook comment
Change mindsets
I think that of course the offenders should be hunted down, but I think it is even more important to change the mentality of the men in India.
From Mr Ali R.
Dubai
Facebook comment
Confusion with fines
I would like to bring up some issues that may benefit many UAE residents. First off, I’m a very safe and calculated driver and I’m often travelling between Dubai and Sharjah. Since last year, I’ve gotten four to five traffic fines from the Sharjah traffic police, none of them have been from Dubai where I mostly drive. I understand that I have done something wrong, but the sad part to me is that I don’t feel that there is sufficient information available on the fines to know exactly what went wrong.
When I receive the fine, it doesn’t seem to specify the road name or the location. The exact violation is not described, except for the speed fine. I also find that the speed limit is not always posted along certain stretches. This along with not knowing which road the fine happened on, makes it difficult to learn where the fine happened, so that next time I can know exactly what the speed limit on that part of the road is.
From Mr Omar Yousuf
Dubai
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