Proud of the warm welcome
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was on Thursday accorded a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi, India (‘Mohammad visit gives a fillip to ties with India’, Gulf News, February 14). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shaikh Mohammad later met at the Modi’s residence. The two leaders have held detailed deliberations in the following days, and both sides have signed a number of agreements. Ways to contain radicalism and stepping up counter terrorism cooperation figured prominently in the talks. Shaikh Mohammad arrived on Wednesday to a warm welcome from the Indian Prime Minister, who kept aside protocol to receive the special guest at the airport, with the hope of adding new vigour and momentum to the ties between India and the UAE.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Abusing freedom of speech
It is disappointing, to say the least, that freedom of speech and independence has been utilised against India (‘JNU students union president arrested’, Gulf News, February 13). We saw the tragic procession conducted by some of the students’ organisation members at Jawaharlal Nehru University in the Indian capital of New Delhi. Their protest, which is deemed by many as anti-national, was not digestible for more than a billion people who enjoy the flourishing democracy, which offers many things that are not imaginable in many countries. India is often considered to be a soft state and these anti-government protesters are beneficiaries of their leniency. The consequence of being an Indian national and acting anti-Indian will offer zero output or influence.
From Mr Unnikrishnan
Dubai
Is this democracy?
In Kerala, India, the assembly selection process has been going on, with a vote to take place in May. It seems that the opposition party is always doing its duty through boycotting, fighting and throwing chairs without any concern. Is this the way a democratic system functions?
Really, an ordinary person seeing such nonsense happening in the assembly would believe that the country’s system has failed. We need another solution. The people of Kerala must think. All these Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are paid by the people.
From Mr Babu Das
UAE
Good performance in cricket!
It is really heartening to see India’s rejuvenated team playing in Ranchi, and their thumping win against the Sri Lankan team (‘Dhawan powers India to big win’, Gulf News, February 13). I’m glad that India has learnt a good lesson after their performance in Pune. We are sure that from now onwards, they will not take any team lightly and try to win every match to retain their status as the world’s best team in T-20 and to also regain the World Cup.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
More to love than just one day
In my opinion, we don’t require any particular day, like Valentine’s Day to prove our love to our beloved (‘Valentine’s Day is every day for some’, Gulf News, February 14). This is my personal opinion and I am not against anybody celebrating Valentine’s Day. But, love comes from the heart and we do not need any particular day or any expensive gifts to prove our love to one another. Different people may have different opinions and views regarding the same, but I feel it is really unnecessary and needless to be spending huge amounts of money on this day.
We might as well use that money for good deeds, like charity work or other useful things. We should always think and use our money, as comes from our hard work. I know the sentiment may arise that ‘since it is my money, I will use it as I wish and I want to use it to express my love to my loved one’, but I feel that beloved ones will also realise the same, and feel that money is being wasted unnecessarily in the name of this day.
From Mr Ajeet Kumar S. Pillai
Dubai
Love can’t be written
The language of love is not available in the written language (‘Understanding ‘love languages’, Gulf News, February 11). It’s usually unwritten. The written language is only about superficial love, unfortunately. Basically, it’s full of sentimental feelings that should be demonstrated vocally to one’s beloved.
From Mr Khatir Afridi
Dubai
Facebook comment
Many ways to show love
Not in all cases, Mr Khatir Afridi! If someone is geographically apart from their loved one, receiving a written message is still a good sign that he/she remembers the other. Also, if one is shy in telling another person about their feelings, a written message can sometimes help. Love can be shown in a number of ways.
From Ms Em Dodds
UAE
Facebook comment
Love inspires us
Tell that to some of the greatest authors of all time! Love is inspirational to the arts and writing is no exception.
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
Facebook comment
Knows no bounds
Love is patient. If you love someone, it’s not all about the materialistic gifts we give. You love them for whoever they are.
From Ms Ellehcor Zenemij
UAE
Facebook comment
Looking forward to visit
Last time I went to the zoo, it was spacious, but I’m glad that they have now added more animals (‘Abu Dhabi zoo to create space for more animals’, Gulf News, February 13). I’ll be going back, hopefully it will be more exciting. I think they should also add night viewings for nocturnal animals. Also, add bird attractions enclosed in a huge dome that is artificially suited for them.
From Mr Jon Zenitram
UAE
Facebook comment
Keeping history alive
This was a fantastic story about keeping cultures and passions of a bygone era alive for future generations (‘Crafting dhows with a passion’, Gulf News, February 13). UAE history is an absolutely wonderful celebration of art. I truly admire this gentleman, Ebrahim Saleh Hassan Bu Hazza, who is still creating small-scale dhow boats at his age. Fantastic!
From Ms Sandra Jane Peters
Silverdale, UK
Facebook comment
Discrimination is inhumane
Of course, caste discrimination has to be stopped (‘How India’s caste system survives’, Gulf News, February 12). Telling a person that he/she cannot do this and that on the basis of his/her caste is not only wrong, but also inhumane. All humans are equal, aren’t we taught this from a young age? It’s time we brought justice to these words.
From Ms Vismaya Sanilkumar
UAE
Facebook comment
Bless people like him
I’m very impressed by the steps taken by the young man in this video, who sails the oceans and collects garbage (‘Facebook video: 21-Year-Old is Cleaning Up Our Oceans’, Gulf News, February 12). I am so happy for this wonderful boy. May God bless him and give him lots of strength and vision to do a lot more things like this.
From Mr Mohammad M. Khan Omair
Dubai
Facebook comment
What to expect
This is how the youth is keeping busy, since they have much creativity. They are smart. Well done.
From Mr Lee Mercado
Dubai
Facebook comment
Everyone should make an effort
This is a great step and, at the same time, people should not pollute the waters anymore. Also, it’s very important for the marine industry to ensure that supplies are packed in biodegradable packaging. No more plastic in our oceans, please. We must all make these efforts.
From Mr Abdullah Ahmadullah
Dubai
Facebook comment
Give the people freedom
We hope Myanmar’s presidential election winner Aung San Suu Kyi will be the next president for the country, and that the people receive a complete transition of power from the military controlled government to a democratic regime (‘Suu Kyi makes final push for presidency’, Gulf News, February 9). Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for more than 21 years by the military government. People can’t be suppressed for long because freedom always prevails. Giving rights and freedom to the people are key factors that change the world for the better.
In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded a Noble Peace Prize for her work in Myanmar. Let Suu Kyi become the president of Myanmar and the people may feel the greatness of freedom and democracy.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
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