Depends on my willpower
I don’t understand why people expect special treatment in Ramadan (“Extra holidays in Ramadan discussed”, Gulf News, May 21). I am a Muslim, and I fast every year because I want to. I shouldn’t expect people to give me time off or not eat anything around me. In my office, I see people who shy away from having lunch because they don’t want to offend anyone. That’s not fair! Why should they have to pay a price for my sake? I am the one fasting, not them. If I choose to abstain from food and water, I should have the willpower to keep it going. If I see someone eating, I shouldn’t feel weak and feel the need to eat something. Isn’t that the point?
From Ms Rashida Jamal
Ajman
Equal consideration for all
I think that the private sector should also be allowed to spend the last ten days of Ramadan away from work. We are all participating in Ramadan equally and would be glad to be off and spend some time engrossed in prayer. The last days are the hardest as we end up spending a large part of the night awake. This way, we get very little sleep and find it hard to be at work the next morning. I am not complaining, because this is how we choose to live. No one is forcing us to do it. But, at the same time, if it is being considered, I believe that we should all be given equal consideration.
From Ms Rabia Javed
Sharjah
It is our choice
Having the last days of Ramadan off? I disagree with this plan. If we are fasting, we are doing it because we want to. Not because we are being asked to. During the last 10 days, we willingly spend more time at the mosque and stay awake most of the night. So, why should we get special treatment? If you’re expecting something from the authorities, it isn’t right.
From Mr Mohammad Tarek
Dubai
Why do we need an app for this?
This letter is with regards to the report earlier this week that introduced the new mobile app to help parents put their children to sleep at night (“The app that helps children fall asleep”, Gulf News, May 20). While this is yet another symbol to show human advancement, it is quite shocking to note where humankind has reached. Technology is good, but it should not come at the expense of our responsibilities to our fellow people, and in this case, our children. Where has humanity reached if we have come to a stage in which we need an app to help us put our children to sleep? Is it out of convenience or just pure laziness? I find it really hard to justify such apps as in my opinion, they are completely unnecessary and instead of wasting our efforts and resources on coming up with such meaningless apps, we should put our focus on more important matters. While it is known that human beings love to shift their responsibilities to others, it has simply gone too far when we chose to rely on technology to spend that last minute of the day with our very own creations, our children.
From Ms Sara Ahmad
Fujairah
Respect those who helped shape society
Gone are the days when youngsters would stand up to offer their seats to their elders. That has now become an ancient act of kindness. We blame it on globalisation and the change in times and society, but is it really? In my opinion, this is yet another sign of parental neglect and the fact that we are now so caught up in our lives that we do not have time to sit down and teach our children some manners, and barely do we know what they are up to while we are at the office. We must not forget the kindness that once used to be engraved in our hearts, and that too, at a time when the world is caught up in violence. If we cannot restore world peace, let us at least give up our seat to those that helped shape our societies.
From Ms Alexandra Nilsson
Abu Dhabi
A long way to go
Recently on an Indian news website, I came across an article about a 27-year-old British woman who wrote a blog after her recent visit to India. While she writes about her love for the country, she explains how she faced a very distasteful experience twice with two different men during two different visits to India. This comes two months after Leslee Udwin’s documentary ‘India’s Daughter’ based on the infamous Nirbhaya rape case. Though many organisations in India try to promote women empowerment in the country, a lot more has to be done to make the country safe for women to live and leave the confines of their homes for education and work. As a woman who lived in Delhi for 21 good years of my life, I really feel there needs to be more awareness in the way women are treated. Having said that, I would like to emphasise that a majority of men are well behaved and decent but we have a long way to go to keep our daughters safe.
From Ms Tina Albert
Dubai
Stay young as long as possible
Personally I think it isn’t a very good idea to have Wifi on school buses in Dubai (“Dubai school buses to get WiFi”, Gulf News, May 21). Children use enough internet at home as it is. Let them be with their friends as they travel in the school bus.
From Ms Aloko Xai
Dubai
Facebook comment
Is it necessary?
That’s slightly inappropriate. Children should stay young for as long as they can. If they aren’t allowed to use laptops or tablets in class for notes, then why should they have Wifi access in school buses?
From Ms Anum Harris Matin
UAE
Facebook comment
It isn’t right
This is like giving a free basket of the world’s best chocolates and telling the children to not touch it. Mobile phones and other gadgets are a curse for today’s children, especially when it is used in an uncontrolled manner.
From Ms Pramila S Raj
Dubai
Facebook comment
A changing world
School buses were one of the last places left where children could keep their eyes away from electronics. But, not anymore.
From Mr Ahsan Feroz
UAE
Facebook comment
Staying connected at all times
I disagree with all the comments above. Having Wifi means that children are connected even when they’re on the bus. Parents will find it easier to connect with their children. In case they call, and children don’t answer, parents can send them messages on social media channels. Children are bound to check those.
From Ms Diana Kay
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Destroying their innocence
Why do students need Wifi? There is no need for an internet connection on a school bus. The presence of Wifi signals and mobile phones is harmful to the health of the students. Why did the authorities allow it? The radiation from mobiles has destructive effects on the brain and eyesight of the children. Already this generation has a large exposure to this technology, which is somehow destroying their health and capabilities. They don’t need to be using it on the school bus.
From Ms Hira Fahim
UAE
Facebook comment
Busy on their phones
Firstly, adults don’t interact with each other too much these days with people engrossed on their mobile phones, now they want children to follow suit. Instead of talking, playing, communicating and interacting with each other in the school bus. Now they too will be busy on the internet. God be with generations to come.
From Ms Christina Scurville
UAE
Facebook comment
Private companies should be off, too
I am glad to know that the authorities are discussing a plan to have the last 10 days of Ramadan off for the public sector employees (“Extra holidays in Ramadan discussed”, Gulf News, May 21). However, I strongly believe that those who work in the private firms also should get the privilege.
From Ms Jude Fernandez
Dubai
Website comment
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