Eulogy to the eternal heroes
The UAE’s Oasis of Dignity is the memorial site that has been created to honour the UAE’s brave heroes. It’s located east of the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Commemoration Day was marked on November 30 to recognise the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian services. On August 19, 2015, it was announced that November 30 would be observed as Martyrs’ Day. The UAE armed forces joined Operation Restoring Hope under the Saudi Arabia-led coalition to support the Aden, Yemen-based government and many UAE soldiers were martyred. The UAE’s commitment to fighting rebels in Yemen, Iraq and Syria is praiseworthy. The noble saga of these Martyrs is told by the Oasis of Dignity that is a cultural landmark reflecting the UAE’s pride in sacrifices made by its heroes and where the values of dignity, unity and solidarity for the nation are enshrined, making it a true oasis of honour!
From Ms Shaheen Nazar
Sharjah
Changed the course of history
A man who has survived more than 600 assassination attempts over the years is no more (‘The last revolutionary’, Gulf News, November 27). Fidel Castro was the former Cuban president, who lived by his principle of socialism or die and he changed the course of modern history. Castro was no saint, but he had die-hard followers who would have laid down their lives for his cause. His physical body is gone from here, but his thoughts will live forever.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Mixed feelings on Castro
The former Cuban leader who created a revolution in Cuba and ruled the country for five decades died, which has brought both sadness and happiness to people around the world. He was a terrorist for Americans even though he was geographically close to the US. He ruled single handedly with a communist concept. He was closely associated with Russia and its leaders. Despite a few attempts by the CIA to kill him, he escaped and put up a tough fight for the Americans.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
This isn’t working for India
Currency demonetisation in India was a surgical strike on the common people (‘India’s Modi defends cash ban after criticism’, Gulf News, November 26). Even after more than 20 days, there are still common people suffering for their basic needs for those who don’t hold a bank account or debit/credit card.
The speech of the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a revelation to the current government, when he challenged: “I would like to know from the prime minister the names of any countries he may think of where people have deposited their money in the banks but they are not allowed to withdraw their money.”
How can Narendra Modi introduce plastic money, when so many people are still under poverty line and not everyone holds bank accounts? What’s more is the people living without access to toilet and millions of people still homeless.
How will the street vendors survive? What about the farmers?
From Mr Abdul Jaleel. M.V.
Dubai
Time to come together
The concept of a cashless society is an obvious choice for a country like India on the verge of a major shift in its global perspective in the mode of economic development. A cashless society can bring down the deep-rooted corrupt practices and whatever achieved through such an initiative can have true effects in the long run in curbing kickbacks.
Though it’s a rigid approach, if it’s not initiated now, then when will India move towards a real change to the challenging world of today? The opposition political parties must unanimously join the government and fight against corruption, which is a menace that takes a mammoth of India’s resources deserved for the poor to the privileged society.
Even though demonetisation was a shock for Indians, most criticism heard is from people who are politically motivated without realising its long term benefits. Instead of dividing the country over the colour of politics, it’s time to blend the feel of majority population who still live far behind their expectations.
The history of India has never seen a prime minister accepting the problems of the majority in public and requesting the masses to cooperate and fight against the deep-rooted corrupt practices.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Making India proud
There’s no doubt that both badminton players P. V. Sindhu and Sameer Verma were tamed in the Hong Kong Open Super series, but we are happy that both fought till the end (‘Sindhu, Verma create a flutter in Hong Kong Open’, Gulf News, November 27). That, too, against higher ranked players and lost the titles. It is heartening to note that Verma, who is playing his first Super Series should be credited for his excellent performance during the tournament.
Definitely, he has made a mark in the international arena and is a player to watch. Well done Sindhu and Verma, keep the Indian flag flying high.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Why the hate?
In the UAE, there is no space for discrimination (‘Letting the dispossessed have a voice’, Gulf News, November 27). The fact that no one talk speak badly of someone else’s religion and that everyone can practise their faith, is something that countries like Myanmar should learn from.
I don’t know why people have so much hatred towards people of other faiths. We respect all humanity in this world and we treat them as brothers and sisters.
From Mr Ali Farhat
Dubai
Facebook comment
Treat them equal
Firstly, the Rohingya have been living in Myanmar and Bangladesh for a long time before these countries were established. So those people from Myanmar who are Rohingya, they belong in that land where they are living.
It is not the fault of the civilians or any others. It’s only the mistake of the Myanmar government who are not able to accept the Rohingya.
It’s the weakness of the Myanmar government. The government took the wrong decision. Instead of burning their houses and killing them, they should have built schools and educated them. Then maybe they could have a future like the rest of the Myanmar people and live the same way like other citizens.
From Mr Azarudin Ali
UAE
Facebook comment
Betrayed Muslims
We always supported Aung San Suu Kyi, but she betrayed Muslims once she got into a position of power. The world is quiet about the Muslim genocide by this country, with the silent approval of Suu Kyi.
From Mr Hanif Kassam
UAE
Facebook comment
Silently supporting
This woman, Suu Kyi, is surely a bad person for not standing up for all people of her country. She’s not worthy of the Nobel Prize. She’s silently supporting the massacre of the innocent Rohingya.
From Mr Hassan Forhad
UAE
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