Demonetisation dilemma
Millions of citizens of India have been affected by the demonetisation dilemma, which includes me, too – a student in grade four (‘Banerjee, Kejriwal want demonetisation roll back’, Gulf News, November 18)! Although the demonetisation policy is a move to root out the menace of black money, it is like a bolt from the blue to me, as my pocket money is at stake. My prized possession – my pocket money that I have amassed over the years - consists of notes of denominations that were fondly showered on me on the occasion of Eid, during my trip to India. It is customary for elders to pamper young ones with gifts in cash during the festive occasion of Eid. I would like to convert the about-to-be-extinct banknotes into dirhams.
From Mr Shaikh Shameel Ahmad
Sharjah
The naysayers
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a joint political offensive with her New Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, demanding the government roll back its decision within three days. The Indian government’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ruled out any such possibilities. Banerjee, for the most part, played a major role in bringing the opposition leaders together against the move.
The government is in a precarious situation. Will it be a death trap for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government?
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Sleep is essential
Lack of adequate sleep has detrimental effects on everybody, especially children (‘Lack of sleep is making our children obese — but help is at hand’, Gulf News, November 17). Sleep deprivation not only makes them irritable and fatigued, but can also affect their health, making them obese, hyperactive and causing several other behavioural issues, according to US-based National Sleep Foundation. A good night’s sleep is essential for a long, healthy and fruitful life.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Dubai
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A universal truth
Yes, scientists know that human life is going to end soon, so they are trying to search for habitable planets for humans, before we destroy Earth (‘Is time running out for humanity?’, Gulf News, November 18). I don’t think many would want to publish their findings, because of the controversy it presents. This is a universal truth and nobody can change it.
From Mr Abdul Wodood
UAE
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Blink of an eye
We always knew that humans would one day become extinct, but to consider that it will happen in 1,000 years — with the Earth being four billion years old — seems like a drop in a bucket. Instead of trying to figure out how we can selfishly live longer, I think we should be figuring out how to preserve our information for as long as possible. I think it’s unlikely that we will be the last of the intelligent species on Earth. The universe is fascinating.
From Ms Julia Thorn
UAE
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At the top for tolerance
On November 16, we observed International Tolerance Day (‘Poll analysis: How readers cultivate tolerance’, Gulf News, November 18). The UN promotes tolerance as it is a matter of understanding fundamental identities and respecting each other’s cultures. Now, in this era of rising violence and extremism, most people in society fail to understand the importance of tolerance. I am proud to be in the UAE because this country ranks first in the region for tolerance and third globally. The UAE has set an example and has more than 200 nationalities living in peace and harmony, respecting the cultural values of each other. It ranks high in its tolerance level. People living here respect all religions and have the freedom to practice their beliefs. The leaders of this country are to be praised for allowing people to profess their faith and helping them build places of worship. This initiative by the country’s leaders is commendable. Their vision has helped the UAE achieve the status of becoming one of the most tolerant nations in the world.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Smoking around children
Well, I don’t think this woman is a good mother if she can’t differentiate between right and wrong and is smoking shisha outside all day (‘Mother loses children’s custody for smoking shisha’, Gulf News, November 18)! Smoking is a bad habit and it’s very unhealthy for children. When they watch their mother doing this, they would surely like to follow her behaviour, even in childhood.
From Mr Talha Rajpot
UAE
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What’s wrong?
What’s wrong with smoking shisha, Mr Talha Rajpot? If it’s wrong to smoke shisha, it should be banned and then there would be no argument. As long as it’s available to smoke in public, it’s not wrong and it doesn’t matter who smokes it.
From Mr Phil Jones
Dubai
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This isn’t a reason
What a narrow view, Mr Talha Rajpot. It makes me laugh and cry at the same time. What’s ‘wrong’ in this world is people who think a woman smoking is reason enough to take her babies from her.
From Ms Joanne Poggio
UAE
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Double standard
If they watch their father doing it, then that makes it okay? There’s a double standard here.
From Mr Zack Deedat
UAE
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No company insurance
Some companies aren’t providing insurance yet for their employees and I am so disappointed that my workplace, a big pharmacy in the UAE, doesn’t have insurance (‘No more extensions for getting health insurance in Dubai’, Gulf News, November 18). I hope the authorities look into this and ensure companies, especially those with a huge employee base, do grant insurance.
From Mr Erickson Ken Tan
Dubai
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Needed everywhere
We want this in Sharjah, too. Everyone should be medically insured because it’s a necessity nowadays. Some people don’t understand the value of insurance. Even if people have to pay a little from their end and the rest of the cost is absorbed by the insurance company, it would be acceptable.
From Mr M. Meet
Sharjah
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Home away from home
It is absolutely amazing to have a Bollywood theme park where people are able to feel at home away from home (‘Facebook video: Bollywood Parks Dubai opened tonight’, Gulf News, November 17).
From Mr Salam Jaber
UAE
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Reunite mother and children
I really hope Zainab gets help soon (‘Jailed, abused, separated from kids and homeless’, Gulf News, November 18). I already contacted her, offering to buy her groceries to survive, but she needs serious help regarding her legal and financial issues. Hopefully, thanks to this article, some people can step up and reunite her with her children someday.
From Ms Shipra Roma
Dubai
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Different cultures
No doubt that Zainab is sad and broken-hearted — after all, she is a mother. Imagine a mother without her children. It’s the same as a bird without its nest eggs. So, my prayers are with her.
But while I’m feeling sad for Zainab, I have some doubts, too. People say that marriage is between two hearts, no matter where they came from or where they belong. I think that is totally wrong, because in a marriage, so many things are happening off the camera that others are not able to see.
Two families come close to each other. That strengthens their bond more. Having the same culture, it is easy to understand each other. If a misunderstanding happens during a relationship, an elder person or family member would always be there to mediate between the couple. So I think and believe that it’s better to stay within the borders of one’s culture when choosing a spouse.
From Mr Suhail Wadood
Dubai
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Understanding
I understand what you’re trying to say, Mr Suhail Wadood, but I don’t think this is true. When we fall in love with someone from a different culture, it might be more difficult, but it’s worth the extra effort. I remember my wedding vows and think of my commitment to love and care for my spouse even when the going gets tough. That’s what it’s all about. I’m Eastern and she is Western and you don’t get much more different than that when we talk about cultures and traditions.
So what I’m saying is that this man had no right. There is no excuse.
From Mr Abdullah Younas
Dubai
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Looks cruel, but isn’t
Farmers know that sometimes a calf dies during birth for a variety of reasons (‘Letters to the editor: Acting on mistreatment’, Gulf News, November 19). In the video, this hanging method is to keep the cow from dying as well. He is probably taking her to a barn to get her out of the weather and away from wild animals, like wolves and bad dogs. But, she will be lifted off her back legs until she can put weight on them without falling. She will be fed and cared for. It is the only way a farmer can do this by himself.
From Ms Jody Grider Hisaka
Honolulu, US
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Need stricter laws
Stop the farmer, don’t stop dairy. Are people not going to have butter or milk? Should anything that contains it be banned? This is animal abuse and it’s bad. It’s really sad to see this. However, I’m sure it’s not the case on all farms. Stricter laws should be placed and there should be stricter punishments. Animals are a source of food.
From Mr Bushra Rahman Khan
Cardiff, UK
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Show mercy to animals
It is very cruel and we should show mercy to animals. Showing cruelty to animals is a great sin. We can eat the meat of animals, but it should be slaughtered perfectly.
From Mr Farook Khan Sadr
UAE
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