A helping hand

A helping hand

This is absolutely amazing (“Look: Dubai firemen stop to fix a broken-down car”, Gulf News, April 10). The helpful and generous nature of the officials is highly commendable. These men in uniform never shy away from lending a hand to those in distress. They have, time and again, gone the extra mile to provide assistance to others and remind people that they are there for them.

From Ms Fatima Suhail

Sharjah

Efficient and alert

Kudos to the Dubai Police for helping civilians. They are worth the praise, especially Lt Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, director of Maritime Rescue Department at Dubai Police, and his team, as a few days ago, they rescued six women from drowning. Their action was timely and prompt, resulting in the appreciation of one and all. The police intervened and acted on the emergency call. The women were lucky to be alive. We need to respect warning signs and refrain from swimming during times of rough weather. In all beaches, flags help warn people about the tides. Swimmers have to be wise in selecting the time that they head out to swim. Although there are rescue points, life guard towers, life rafts and boats, nothing is guaranteed during rough weather. After sunset, it is even more difficult. We, as residents and citizens, have to follow the rules and regulations in order to minimise emergencies. The Dubai Police have proved time and again to be competent and compassionate in saving lives. We feel proud, living in Dubai.

From Ms Murugesh S. S. Sivam

Dubai

A night to remember

I attended SM Town’s K-Pop concert in Dubai and it was like a dream come true (“SMTown Live World Tour in Dubai review”, Gulf News, April 10). I have been following K-Pop for a few years and I love how big the industry has become. Dubai is a multicultural hub, with people from different nationalities residing peacefully. The fact that a K-Pop concert was held in the city, just shows how far the region has come in terms of acceptance for others. On the day of the concert, I saw Arabs, people from the Subcontinent and the Philippines dancing and singing to the tunes of these foreign artistes, and it was magical. Even the bands who performed, were taken aback by the enthusiasm, and spoke to the audience. A lot of singers repeatedly said, “I can’t believe we are performing in Dubai”, and that was really sweet. I think overall, it was a great experience, something that I will treasure forever.

From Ms Kareena Singh

Dubai

Do we need it?

As far as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are concerned, the entire process of issuing an Aadhaar card, which is a highly disputed state-run social security programme, is confusing. Even though the apex court in India had confirmed that the card is not a requirement for NRIs, agencies responsible for issuing the card continue to process them, despite knowing the fact that the applicants are NRIs. If NRIs are not entitled to the Aadhaar card, the authorised agencies in India should stop issuing them. Meanwhile, the Aadhaar card has become a mandatory requirement for obtaining mobile phone SIM cards in India, and if NRIs are not entitled for the ID cards, the service providers should not insist on it. Whatever decisions the Indian government has taken, on issuing the Aadhaar card, must be conveyed to mobile operators, banks, insurance firms and other financial institutions, so that it does not cause any inconvenience to people.

From Mr Ramachandran Nair

Oman

No money for members

It is really shameful that both of India’s national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, are accusing each other like schoolchildren, for the near wash-out of the budget session at Parliament (“Rahul Gandhi rides in metro to woo voters”, Gulf News, April 9). Of course, this has been the case even during United Progressive Alliance’s (UPA) tenure. But the most recent budget session was unproductive. The people who ultimately suffer are the common men, who have to foot the bills of these unruly parliamentarians. It is time the Supreme Court, in consultation with the Election Commission of India, amends the country’s decade-old rules and regulations, especially with regard to the payment of salary, perks and even pensions, purely based on attendance and business transactions. Ironically, the Speaker who has powers in Parliament, has time and again failed to rein in these unruly members and ensure a healthy discussion. We feel that the payment of salary, perks and pensions, right from the beginning of this budget session till the next, should not be paid to all the Members of Parliament. Will the Speaker and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, have the guts to do this?

From Mr N. Mahadevan

India

Water under the bridge?

It’s unfortunate that the Cauvery water dispute was again in court, even after the final verdict was given (“Protests continue over Cauvery issue in TN”, Gulf News, April 9). India’s central government failed to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) within six weeks of the court’s decision. The Cauvery water dispute dates back to the 19th century. It seems as though the central government wants to get some political mileage in this issue, and does not want to handle it until the Karnataka elections are over. Members from the leading party, from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, should meet and equal distribution of water should be implemented. Agitations and strikes should be withdrawn.

From Mr Eappen Elias

Dubai

IPL fever grips the world

Today, cricket is playing a vital role in the world of sports and the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has made a big impact (“IPL is a league of the masses for the masses”, Gulf News, April 9). In my city, many cricket fans go to the stadium to watch and enjoy the hitting of sixes and fours from their favourite players. For matches, Bengaluru’s stadium is always full of children and adults. Already, people are eagerly waiting to watch the IPL matches. On the one hand, the game has developed dramatically and cricket players are paid a lot of money, compared to years ago. On the other hand, the way players are acting these days, whether it comes to ball tampering or other unethical practices, I am worried that the game might lose its image. Still, the game is liked by millions of fans, particularly during the IPL season. No doubt, IPL fever grips both in India and the world.

From Mr K. Ragavan

India

Bringing people together

Yes, IPL is off to a great start. People are excited and cricket fever is back. I used to watch a lot of cricket with my grandmother when I was younger. It was a sport, which brought the family together. I remember when India won the World Cup, the energy in our living room was electrifying and I’m pretty sure my father cried. The sport gives you a rush and a sense of patriotism. The IPL is a great extension of the game and has the same spirit.

From Ms Alia Mathur

Dubai

Reaching for medals

Congratulations to weightlifters Mirabai Chanu and Gururaja Poojary, for winning Gold and Silver medals respectively in the Commonwealth Games (“Commonwealth Games: A golden day for Indian women”, Gulf News, April 9). At the same time, it pains me to see the women’s hockey team losing to Wales. Of course, due credit should be given for their effort to try and level a score of two to zero, however, in the final minutes of the game, the winning goal went to Wales. Anyway, I hope they recover from this shock to shine in the remaining matches.

From Ms Janaki Mahadevan

India

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