Elderly couple are victims of social stigma
The advanced medical technology that made it possible for this elderly couple to have a baby is amazing (‘70-year-old Indian woman gives birth to first baby’, Gulf News, May 11). However, the reason behind this couple having a child, and their urgency in having a baby through whatever means possible, despite the dangers attached, is saddening. That is the result of social stigma! They have had to face ridicule in a country where infertility is sometimes thought of as a curse from God, as mentioned in the report. A childless couple, especially the woman, is harassed by society. It has made them seek such desperate solutions in order to distance themselves from that stigma. What they really wanted is not a baby to take care of, but to prove to the world that they can be parents, too! It is society and its unreasonable notions that are the culprits.
From Ms Yousufa Mohammad
UAE
Facebook comment
This is irresponsible
I can’t believe that a 70-year-old woman gave birth! By the age of 15 years old, this child is likely to be an orphan. It doesn’t sound very responsible or ethical.
From Ms Sarah Van Puyvelde
UAE
Facebook comment
Not black and white
Tell that to the finally happy and complete family, Ms Sarah Van Puyvelde. Not everyone’s thinking is so black and white. This woman was childless for 46 years.
From Ms Fouzia Akhwand
UAE
Facebook comment
Doesn’t make sense
Especially with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) costs involved and so many orphans already seeking good homes in India, this decision makes no sense.
From Ms Chantelle Marsh
UAE
Facebook comment
Not logical
It is odd that after 43 years of marriage, they didn’t eventually adopt when they weren’t able to get pregnant. I agree that it’s a selfish decision. At their age and with children that need a home, how is this the right decision? How will they be able to physically care for the child?
From Ms Jocelyn Moon
Dubai
Facebook comment
Makes me hopeful
I hope one day I will have a child of my own. Reading this news makes me feel hopeful again. God is amazing.
From Ms Cram Melv
UAE
Facebook comment
Inconsiderate decision
Who was thinking about the baby? Inevitably, the child will be an orphan in the not too distant future. Then what? I think the parents and the doctors have been totally thoughtless and selfish. They have not considered the child’s future at all.
From Ms Sarah Jenkinson
UAE
Facebook comment
Who are we to judge?
But, Ms Sarah Jenkinson, any parent can die at any time. Who are we to police other people’s reproductive choices?
From Ms Jenna Margaret
UAE
Facebook comment
Why stop now?
I understand God is in control of everything, but I don’t think it is wise to have a baby at 70 years old. Who knows, the woman might live to be a 100 years old, but it’s too much of a burden on the child, to look after elderly parents. Maybe she should have another child.
From Ms Mimi Marcos
UAE
Facebook comment
They need looking after
Congratulations to the couple, but I think it is totally unfair for the child. Who would look after the baby? The parents themselves need looking after.
From Mr Memeomer Memoaljabri
Dubai
Facebook comment
Driver’s responsibility
I totally agree with the initiative that encourages taxi drivers to refuse passengers who won’t wear a seat belt (‘No seat belt, no ride, say UAE taxi drivers’, Gulf News, May 11). Part of the health and safety rules is to impose regulations that will save the lives of passengers. It is the taxi driver’s responsibility to ensure passenger safety.
From Mr Salam Jaber
Dubai
Facebook comment
Don’t risk lives
It’s true, Mr Salam Jaber. No driver should move the vehicle until passengers are properly secured. This is necessary for professional drivers and for all residents on the road. If your passengers won’t do it, have them find another means of transport, or find someone else who is okay with wearing a seat belt.
From Mr Hein S.
UAE
Facebook comment
A safe and peaceful place
This is a great, safe and peaceful country to live in, to work and enjoy family life (‘UAE has the lowest crime rate in the world’, Gulf News, May 11). I love the UAE.
From Mr Mohammad Bilal
UAE
Facebook comment
Power is no excuse
The story of Rocky Yadav’s confession of his crime was a good read (‘Bihar teenager’s murder accused Rocky confesses to crime’, Gulf News, May 11). The brutal killing of the teen by the Janata Dal-United legislator’s son, just because he overtook him on the road, was unacceptable. He should face the law and be punished. This should be an eye-opener for others who like to indulge in such behaviour. In India, arrogance and power are the root cause for such acts, and there is no excuse for it. I pray for the young victim and the grieving family members.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Tricking Daesh
A Russian woman spy infiltrated Daesh ranks and before being executed, shared information that led to the death of many terrorists. Elvira Karaeva was successful in her venture as a spy, she made Daesh believe all her stories and lies, even though the organisation is known for its brutality. There are some who can outwit their enemies by their courage and intelligence. Karaeva was one of them.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Sincerely disappointed
By quitting the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) President post, mid-way through his tenure, Shashank Manohar has proved that he is no different from many of India’s politicians (‘Manohar gets ready to contest for ICC top post’, Gulf News, May 11). He, too, is power-hungry. The only difference is that Manohar is eyeing greener pastures in Dubai!
When Manohar was unanimously elected as the President of the BCCI, ousting the so-called corrupt
N. Srinivasan, we thought his conscience was very clear and he wanted to clean up the board and the game of cricket. However, within a span of six months, with the Lodha Committee recommendations hanging like the sword of Damocles over his head, he found it too hot to handle. This clearly proves that he is worse than Srinivasan, who at least fought boldly against his foes. We sincerely hope that the International Cricket Council (ICC) members think twice before selecting him as its chairman. Incidentally, this is a golden opportunity for the BCCI to implement one of the recommendations of the Lodha Committee and elect a dynamic cricketer as its new president and not a politician!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Be an example first
When someone gets promoted to a new position as a manager, perhaps they might think — now, I need to control, organise and coordinate with people. In other words, they have to force their team members to achieve what they want. This thinking pattern is driven from deep within, and it’s an inner fear because most people are afraid to miss deadlines or not meet the department’s objectives. Many also fear their general manager. For sure, this would affect relationships with team members, which would even make the situation worse.
Generally speaking, if we really do not want to miss deadlines or objectives, we need to start leading team members in a style where leadership is not a title that gives us authority from our job description, but it’s a conscious attitude toward team members and how they look at us in the workplace.
When practicing leadership, first of all, we need to understand that we don’t need to control or threaten people to do what we want. Through our own example and achievements, we can show the team them that it is possible to achieve any goal. So, if we want to see our team members be punctual, responsible, committed, motivated and courteous, then we need to set an example first.
From Mr Ali Al Aradi
UAE
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