A scientist who wasn’t allowed to help Pakistan

I read Gulf News’ ‘Today in History’ about the Pakistan Nobel laureate Abdus Salam (Today in history: ‘Pakistan Nobel laureate Abdus Salam dies’, Gulf News, November 21). The last sentence written in this news report is: “His only regret, expressed in a 1995 interview, was that ‘I have never been able to be of any service to my country.’”

A few questions arise from this last sentence for readers who might not know much about his remarkable achievements and services. For example, why did he not do anything for his country in this field? Why did he ignore his own country? The reality is that this brilliant Muslim scientist was not allowed to serve his country due to his religious beliefs. He wanted to open an Institution for Pakistani scientists in Pakistan, but was not allowed by the government. This was the hidden regret in his heart, which came out in that sentence without mentioning the actual facts.

He was a role model for many. He belonged to a humble background and through his immense hard work and intelligence, he conquered the world of physics.

From Ms Syeda Ahmad

UAE

Schools build character

A sterling character is the real foundation of all worthwhile success (‘Character education is the key to well-being’, Gulf News, November 22). It’s not only the parents, but schools, too, should focus on imparting character education to children. It is the ‘X’ factor that paves the way in making children diligent, responsible and upstanding individuals. Schools, where character-education is taught, report higher academic performance, improved attendance, reduced violence, fewer disciplinary incidents and less vandalism. The qualities of compassion, respect for others, patience, self-control and diligence will prove as important tools for children in all their endeavours.

From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni

Abu Dhabi

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A lot of money for traveling

That is a lot of valuables to travel with to a foreign country without security (‘2 Qatari women robbed on Paris motorway in $5.3m heist: police’, Gulf News, November 23). Maybe this isn’t a lot of money to them, but to the average criminal, this is a big pay day. I hope these women are okay and will travel more wisely in the future.

From Mr Chauncey Maurice

UAE

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Someone conspired

It’s obvious to me that either their driver or someone with knowledge of their travel itinerary is in on this crime and knew security was non-existent. Why else would they be targeted?

From Mr Abdullah Ali Ajmy

UAE

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Too much crime

I think it’s not safe for tourists to travel with so much money and valuables. They should take action. Robbery has become a day job for some people now.

From Mr Andie Palma

UAE

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What about their children

I feel bad for the children of these parents who tried to do a suicide pact (‘Suicide pact couple burnt charcoal in bedroom’, Gulf News, November 22). Financial issues can be solved, even if you have to start all over with nothing. Leaving two young children emotionally traumatised and fending for themselves is far worse than any challenge!

From Ms Deepti Ramachandran

UAE

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Family belongs together

It’s very heartbreaking. People should not think about themselves only when they have children. They should think about the entire family who belong with them.

From Mr Osman Saeed Alvi

Dubai

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Praying for them

Life is very beautiful even without money, prestige, status and unachievable goals. Unfortunately, human beings come to the point of suicide only when they have lose their faith in God. I pray for them and that they will be shown the righteous path.

From Mr Yasser Afridi

Sharjah

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Theft at mosques

Within a period of two weeks, I have been deprived of my belongings twice. Once while offering prayers in a mosque and the second time when I was shopping. This is not the single case. Many mosques have already installed a notice to be careful from thieves. However, thieves are very smart and upon minor negligence, they steal personal items and run away. There is a great need to take preventive measures and launch awareness programs for the general public.

From Mr Mumtaz Hussain

Dubai

Checking all details

Why can’t they check that particular email that has been sent from the defendant (‘Businessman accused of flashing woman’, Gulf News, November 22)? It seems like there is something more. I feel the judge must look into the matter deeply before handing out the verdict.

From Mr Sohaib Khan

Dubai

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No justification

But, Mr Sohaib Khan, do you really think any email warrants this kind of behaviour? Nothing justifies this type of abuse – and yes, it is abuse.

From Ms Daniella How

UAE

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Knowing the facts

Ms Daniella How, we don’t know if she has created the whole story to grab the company out of the man’s hand. All the evidence must be checked. Of course there isn’t any justification for his behaviour, but let’s be sure it actually happened.

From Ms Sruthi S. Deepak

Bengaluru, India

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Improper usage of devices

With these studies showing that these devices affect a child’s sleep, that’s why a good parent shouldn’t feed their children information in this format constantly (‘Facebook video: Are electronic devices affecting your children’s sleep?’, Gulf News, November 21). Improper usage of devices can compromise the health condition of children nowadays. They’ll become idle and they will lose the willpower to play and exercise outside.

From Ms Lindsay Latibo

Makati, Philippines

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A bad habit

I use to read a book before bed, but now I’ve gotten into the bad habit with devices. So I’m trying to kick the habit right now.

From Ms K. Marwa

Abu Dhabi

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Appreciation for art

This man said that he found it difficult to make a living as an artist (‘Emirati artist recalls the journey of UAE art scene’, Gulf News, November 22). Unfortunately, that is the case for a lot of painters and writers. There isn’t enough appreciation for art in society. Even now, the world has a long way to go.

From Ms Lauren Malm

UAE

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Art is time and work

People don’t understand the hours of work that go into a piece of art. When I see a beautiful painting that I like, I think about the amount of hours, days and weeks that went into creating it. When you divide that number by the price tag, it all of a sudden seems quite reasonable.

However, because of the internet, many see art as free these days. It’s as if people don’t think they should pay for anything anymore.

From Mr Jorge Furtado

UAE

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Is this respect?

Hollywood and Bollywood are always looking to glamorise and cash in on terrorist incidents (‘Boston Marathon bombing film personal for Mark Wahlberg’, Gulf News, November 21). They have no regard or respect whatsoever towards the families of the victims. If the incident is so personal to Mark Wahlberg, then he should donate his movie profits to the victims’ families.

From Mr Rajesh Verma

Dubai

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Respect election choice!

I think that US President-elect Donald Trump has picked the best man for the job and the media needs to stop disrespecting Trump and the US’s choices going forward (‘So many options, yet Trump picks the ugly’, Gulf News, November 21). Their decisions are in the best interests of their people and country!

From Ms Rana V.

Dubai

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The people’s voice

Although I believe the world needs to respect the decision that was made by the US public, it’s completely logical to question and play devil’s advocate to that leader’s choices. In a democracy, the beauty of having an opposition party and for having the media is to give a sober second thought and not to disregard the voice of the people who might not agree.

From Ms Joyce Mohammad

UAE

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