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Books are windows into a vast world
My seven-year-old came home from school the other day with a report card, and he told me that he had been awarded prizes for the year. I eagerly opened the envelope, my chest heaving with pride, to check the number of subjects that my son had excelled in. I was puzzled when I saw the word ‘reading’ beside his name. Upon further enquiry, I understood that he, indeed, had won a prize for reading.
It is not unknown to me that my son takes pride in his little library, with its collection of encyclopaedias and story books. He makes it a point to take some of them to school, to share a few interesting topics with his friends in class, but the idea of applauding and encouraging him by rewarding his efforts and those of many others who have won, too, is a great initiative by schools. Teachers and schools have indeed taken up the UAE authorities’ Year of Reading campaign a step further, by keeping aside time for its students to read out topics of general interest to the class, write reviews of books they pick up from the library, and write short stories that are published and displayed on common boards. All of this is done, apart from the usual academic portions that are required to be covered for the year. Books are windows into the vast world outside the confines of the little, closed community we live in. They give insight, knowledge and wisdom to the reader. Encouraging children to read is encouraging and educating tomorrow’s citizens and the many generations to come. Kudos to the UAE’s Year of Reading initiative.
From Ms Pranitha Menon
Dubai
Healthy option initiative
We highly appreciate the healthy restaurant initiative by the government, as dining outside, shopping and outings are main sources of entertainment for all residents in the UAE (Letters to the editor: Healthy eating is the way to go’, Gulf News, May 10). I would rather say that eating outside is the most frequent activity, among all other modes of entertainment, due to which, lifestyle-related disorders are especially common.
Healthy options and printed nutrient analysis next to dishes on the menu would help people make the right decisions to improve their health. It would also raise awareness in children. The attractive initiative of free nutrition consultations by the Ministry’s dietitians, and workshops, would not only help participating restaurants team up, but would assist them to educate people about the nutritional values of specific dishes. Furthermore, if the authorities place fees an unhealthy ingredients, it would be one more step towards a world where only healthy ingredients are used in cooking.
I suggest that fresh fruits and vegetables be free of preservatives and are freshly used. A vegetable, a fruit salad or any healthy food option should be made mandatory when ordering food.
The practice of baking or shallow frying should be encouraged, instead of deep frying. These ideas would help diners to achieve nutritional balance in their food, according to their requirements.
From Ms Niamat Karmally
Dubai
A respected poet and public figure
Gulf News’ article on the world joining India to celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s 155th birthday, was a good read (‘Amitabh pays tribute to Rabindranath Tagore’, Gulf News, May 10). The Indian national poet and Nobel laureate Tagore’s birthday was not only celebrated in India, but around the world, which speaks highly of his reputation and the respect people have for this great poet. He has mesmerised millions of people by his songs. His national anthem was liked by one and all. I salute this talented personality who helped put India on the map.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
We have much to learn
Three children wake up at sunrise full of energy, but once the sun sets, their bodies are unable to move — it is really astonishing (‘Solar kids’ baffle doctors in Pakistan’, Gulf News, May 6). They are nicknamed ‘solar kids’ in their village because they get their energy from the sun. The three have been admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for tests and possible treatment. A nine-member board has been formed to conduct tests, and blood samples and test reports have already been sent to thirteen international collaborators. Hundreds of tests have been carried out, but to no avail. Many rare illnesses are being reported from different parts of the world, which is raising a challenge for medical researchers, showing us how the fight for knowledge is infinite.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Maybe not a phenomena?
I don’t think that this illness has anything to do with a solar phenomenon. These children may have myasthenia gravis, a disease of the neuromuscular junction, involving its receptors. Muscles get fatigued with time and they recover with rest. That’s why they feel well after waking up in morning, but they get tired at the end of day. Treatment of the disease is simple, if this is the case.
From Mr Faisal Salim
UAE
Facebook comment
A shocking tale
I was shocked to hear their story. They are active when they are exposed to sunlight, but they become inactive in the absence of light. I hope that their treatment is done soon so that they can live normal lives.
From Mr Abdul Rahman
UAE
Facebook comment
Giving gifts inappropriate
It is really shocking and surprising that all the political parties, including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies, have already come out with free laptops, tablets and internet connections. Why should we be wary of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) freebies? Because we, the common people, especially the salaried middle class, who are the most neglected lot, would only be too happy if all the parties stopped the freebies and concentrated on developmental programmes for the benefit of the entire nation of India. In fact, it would be nice if the Supreme Court or Election Commission put an end to the freebie culture!
From Mr N. Viswanathan
Mumbai, India
Bias reporting around the world
The UAE is one of the countries that has given the highest number of donations to Syrian people, and so many from Syria have come to live here and in Saudi Arabia (‘Syrian refugees experiencing something worse than death’, Gulf News, May 8). They have created thousands and thousands of houses for them, but sadly, the international media doesn’t show that. Why do they keep portraying that only the West is good? Saudi Arabia’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal gives his money to charity for refugees, he goes to Turkey and sits with them and spends so many days there, but we see no news about him in the international media. It’s a shame on their part.
From Ms Niks Inti
Dubai
Facebook comment
Misinformed
I hope that Ms Niks Inti’s comments are true. If it is, the world should be told! It is disgraceful if the media is misinforming us and if the region is taking in Syrians, I applaud that.
From Mr Derek Mott
UAE
Facebook comment
Many in Saudi
Mr Derek Mott, actually yes. Many Syrians I know fled to Saudi Arabia during the crisis.
From Mr Ghassan Younis
Dubai
Facebook comment
Gulf helping Syria
The UAE may not call the Syrians here ‘refugees’, but Gulf countries have taken in hundreds of thousands of fleeing Syrians. The difference being that they must find a job here, once they arrive. From what I know, even when their passports expire, there is leniency with visas, since we all know that renewing a passport isn’t all that easy in a war-torn country.
From Mr John Arthur
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
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