Food Bank to help people and reduce food waste
Well done by the UAE authorities for opening the UAE Food Bank (‘Facebook video: UAE now has a food bank to help the needy!’, Gulf News, April 19). They are always thinking about what is better for their people and what will help the needy as well. So much food is getting wasted every day, but at least this way it won’t all end up in the bin.
From Ms Donna P.
Dubai
Facebook comment
Caring for animals
This video of the two UAE Rulers protecting the endangered Hubara just melted my heart (‘Facebook video: Small, endangered UAE bird manages to save its nesting area and prevent a construction project’, Gulf News, April 19). Everyone needs to learn how to respect every living thing. They have made a little hut for her nest and they have given her water, also. It’s so sweet.
From Ms Phebe G.
Dubai
Facebook comment
An example of selfishness
When I read the Ask the newsroom, I was angry with Mr Suraj’s response and his concerns that his child could see the picture of a child suffering in the Syrian war (‘Ask the newsroom: Why publish injured child’s photograph?’, Gulf News, April 19). First of all, the newspaper is not a children’s book. Parents should take care of what children get in their hands.
In view of this dreadful pain and grief, the Syrian people, especially the children suffer in this war. He is worried about his child who has enough food, toys, a home, a warm bed and his parents who spoil them with love and safety. This is an example of a selfish society with no mercy for others and just taking care of their own little problems. Even if his child is still young, you can tell him/her about the poor and suffering children around the world, because they have been born in the wrong place.
Don’t close your eyes – help to create a better world!
From Ms Caroline
UAE
The surprises keep coming
The sudden changes in the eligibility criteria for admission of expatriate students into engineering and technical colleges across India is pretty dramatic. India never fails to amuse us with such statements (‘New India admission rule stuns expats’, Gulf News, April 18). One fine day they take off all the currency notes and then they pitch off the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system. Though it is time for us to get immune to all this, the current declaration puts many deserving students at stake, especially when they have no time to seek other options. Yes, I do agree that the government may want to reduce the loopholes, but this isn’t the most effective way to deal with the issue at hand. It is highly demotivating for students who have been working day and night all along, but misses that seat just by a year or two.
They are the youth, the people who shape the ‘tomorrow’ that we all dream about. It is inhumane to take off the foundation they set to build their mansion.
From Ms Parvathi Sreeraj
Dubai
Seems hypocritical?
It is a great news that the new Punjab [India] Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has sought to curb the use of lewd lyrics and to keep a strict check on vulgar Punjabi songs. While we appreciate his concern, we would like to know what positive steps should be taken to check the double meaning dialogue and comments in his Kapil Comedy Show. Does this not seem like the pot calling the kettle black? Preach only what you can practise.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Keeping children safe
I feel it is advisable to have regulations for seat belts continue to be applied for all seats in the school buses that are on our roads (‘New drivers to get two-year licence, starting from July 1’, Gulf News, April 17). The advantage factors I find behind such an enforcement of safety regulation are many. First and foremost, at any given point in time, the student is safeguarded from impacts due to sudden braking.
Secondly, when it is normally enforced on a daily basis it will become an automatic habit, which will be carried on to their private travel with friends and family. They will be leading the way as ambassadors of road safety.
It may also reduce the driver distractions that happen often in the school buses where children run around or jump on the seats, ignoring the request of the supervisors and drivers. It may thus reduce the bullying that might be happening in some cases.
Safety education is something children should be reminded of every moment. It is because we tend to take some small points lightly, thinking that we know it or “it will not happen to me” that many accidents occur. So, why do we miss out on the opportunity of a road safety education opportunity for children? Teach them young and travel with them safely throughout!
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
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