If you’re happy and you know it …
International Day of Happiness is celebrated every year on March 20. Happiness is not just the state of being happy. It is the state of loving, caring and sharing things with one another. The UAE has reflected these values and is on its own way to become one of the happiest countries in the world. The UAE had declared 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ because I think this country believes in the motto: Happiness is giving. There are so many other things to happiness, than just having a lot of money. Take Denmark and Bhutan as examples. They are not the lands of billionaires, yet are the richest countries. This is because no one in these places sheds a tear of sorrow, pain, distress or misery. Happiness does not just mean joy and laughter. In war-stricken countries, happiness means peace. To a hungry man, happiness means food. If we are kind to others, we will be very happy. It is always possible to be kind to those around you, so attaining happiness is not impossible. The International Day of Happiness not only reminds us about the importance of being happy, but also gives us a chance to be happy. This day will surely be cherished by the various countries around the world who are working towards the goal of spreading happiness and cheer, like the UAE.
From Ms Rose Vincent
UAE
Choose happiness, always
Being happy should be a conscious effort and we don’t need a specific day to remember this. People derive happiness from different things. Even though people say that being happy is a state of mind and it’s easy, some people find this hard and it is something to consider. Happiness is a choice and people need to take it seriously. With the current state of the world, I think we need more love and happiness. We need to push each other, motivate each other and try to make people happy. If we do one simple act of kindness every day, whether it is to hold the door for someone or compliment a person, the world would be a better place. I hope this day reminds people to cherish what they have in life and work towards better things. I’m choosing to be happy today, are you?
From Ms Sania R.
Sharjah
Identifying the fake
Despite having such a strong monitoring system in place, the increase in fake goods is a real concern (“Dubai destroys Dh1.19 billion worth counterfeit goods”, Gulf News, March 13). As most of the items are closely attached to everyday life, customers are becoming the ultimate victims of this unethical practice. Small retail shoppers do sell many such consumables at very low cost, and the trend is spreading to supermarkets and hypermarket chains. It has become difficult the world over to identify genuine and branded items.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Lying on a leg!
It is sad that some hospitals in India are making headlines for the all the wrong reasons (“Man’s amputated leg used as pillow”, Gulf News, March 12). Starting from botched up surgeries to denying treatments to casualties, few government hospitals have earned a bad reputation. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College must bring those responsible for this cruel act to justice and take measures to compensate for the psychological trauma the patients must have gone through, having been neglected like this. Authorities must ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
From Mr Esmail Mohammad
Dubai
Man’s amputated leg used as pillow
I have no words to describe the disgust I felt when I heard what happened in Maharani Laxmi Bhai Medical College hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. A person’s amputated leg was used by the staff to prop up his head. How can people be so insensitive and that too medical professionals? What is appalling is that this incident occurred in a medical college, where there are students studying to become future doctors. A medical school is not just a place that teaches about human bodies, diseases and its treatment. Teaching human rights, ethics, values and morals should also be given prior importance in such an institution. What message does this convey to the students when their seniors themselves, who are supposed to be role models, are behaving in an unethical manner? Proper action should be taken against those who are responsible to teach them a lesson and as a deterrent to others.
From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
