Good reason for government approval of charities
There could be exceptions but, as much as we can, we must channel charities through the local governmental bodies (‘Beggar caught with over Dh270,000 in Dubai ’, Gulf News, April 13). This would ensure that it is done in an organised manner and is more likely to reach those with genuine needs.
Sometimes, thinking outside of the box helps. Once, I came across a request on my community’s Facebook page to donate an amount to help orphan children affected in the Syrian war. I asked them whether it was possible that anyone could adopt a child as well, to which they refused. Now, I would believe that if that charitable organisation’s objective was rehabilitation of orphans, then they should have been happy to consider my request or at least point me in the right direction of people who could help me. After due diligence, I think that adoption should be allowed. However, if the orphans are being used as an asset for part income and part charity, then they would obviously refuse to part with their assets.
This is not to say that the operations of all charitable organisations should be doubted. As mentioned above, when we channel charities through a governmental agency, they are more likely to reach the deserving.
Lastly, we must also know whether it is a violation of local laws if one puts up a request for charities on social media, without the relevant government body’s approval.
From Mr Arish Ehsan
Dubai
Not-so-needy?
When I was in Sharjah, I saw a beggar under a bridge – a woman wearing a black abaya with a face veil. I was shocked with what I saw. Under her arm, half covered with her long dress was a big bangle of gold! When she noticed that I was staring at her jewellery, she quickly covered it. I can’t understand why they do this. Is this for real?
From Mr Tere Quer Caro
UAE
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Taking responsibility
It is really shocking that the Indian Premiere League (IPL) chairman is citing the example of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T-20 World Cup matches played in Maharashtra state (‘IPL’s love hate relationships’, Gulf News, April 11). Being a minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, he should be well aware that it was the UPA government who had agreed to conduct the T-20 tournament in India, and it is the duty of the nation to ensure successful conduct of the tournament. It is silly of him to compare the IPL with the T-20 World Cup. The IPL is purely entertainment, entertainment and more entertainment, which fills the coffers of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), its officials and, of course, the cricketers. Hence it is but natural that the people never thought about the plight of the farmers all these years and how they are now shedding crocodile tears.
For decades, Latur, India has been suffering from droughts and many farmers have committed suicide. None of these politicians bothered about the farmers or the common man who were the ultimate sufferers due to the ever increasing price rise!
Under the above circumstances, it would be prudent to shift the matches out of Maharashtra to venues where there aren’t any water scarcities. Alternatively, all the political leaders and the BCCI should contribute 50 per cent of the collections of the IPL matches towards drought/flood affected areas in India.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Entrepreneurial minds
I have always encouraged my daughter to study commerce and now she earns her money in business (‘Sunny Leone to produce, star in drama-thriller’, Gulf News, April 12). Sunny Leone is such an entrepreneur. I wish she had an education in commerce just like my daughter, I can see her being very successful.
From Mr Jader Guadalupe Zaehler D. Avila
UAE
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Supporting Duterte
If I could vote in the next Filipino election, I would vote for presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte (‘Duterte reclaims lead in Philippine presidential race’, Gulf News, April 12). May the force be with you, Duterte! God bless him in his political endeavours.
From Ms Marche Rose
Singapore, Singapore
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Don’t deserve my vote
I decided not to vote. There are no deserving candidates. All of them are just well-wishers, and I’m tired of these fake personalities.
From Ms Aira Camille Hermosura
Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Nothing is impossible
Anant Ambani, the son of the prominent Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, has done a really wonderful job losing 108kg in 18 months. What is trending on social media is that he did so in a healthy manner through walking and exercise daily and by following a strict diet. A determined mind and perfect planning can bring awesome results. He has set an ideal example.
From Mr Mahendrakumar Barbariya
Dubai
Cheaper from the US
The auto traders are correct in their judgement because they are often overcharging the public with Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 more per car (‘US salvage cars hurting Dubai market’, Gulf News, April 13). That is why they are in pain. The American salvage cars are a blessing for average income people.
From Mr Mohammad Omar Qureshi
UAE
Facebook comment
Protecting their interests
The used car traders are trying to protect their interest. American cars have a lot more safety features and higher specs than the ones you get locally for a lot cheaper. You have to know what you are buying.
From Mr Maqsood Ali Baig
Dubai
Facebook comment
Obvious choice
When shipping a wrecked car, then going through its extensive repair bills and it’s still cheaper than buying a car here, you know you’re doing the right thing.
From Mr Khaled Tamanini
UAE
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So worth it!
I have a 2012 salvaged muscle car with full options. The total cost of the car and the import fee set me up a total of Dh28,500. I spent Dh8,000 on repairs, registration and insurance as well as new tyres! And that’s it, around Dh36,000. I had this great car all ready and legal to run on the UAE roads. You are so right of how beneficial it is to buy a wrecked car!
From Mr Eric Warner
UAE
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