Priorities

I just don’t agree with a girl getting married at the age of 15 (‘Muslims in India split over girls’ wedding age’, Gulf News, June 9). I believe girls all around the world, regardless of any religion, should be given proper education. At the age of 15, the child’s parents should make her think about her career and education. Give her that space to mature physically, mentally and emotionally to handle life. I hope all those who agree with this decision realise their mistake soon.

From Ms Mohammad, Dubai

Taking offense

“According to Mohammadan law…” Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and S.P. Garg said recently. I feel ashamed when I see such comments. It is so embarrassing that even senior government officials don’t know the basic minimum requirement and knowledge when it comes to comments about religious matters. Could someone explain to me what a Mohammadan law is? Don’t they know it is offensive to call Islamic or Sharia laws as ‘Mohammadan Law’?

From A Reader

Education first

It’s not right to get the girl married off at the age of 15. Instead, give her the best education. It’s important to have a well-educated wife rather than marrying off a girl that just turned into an ‘adult’. People who speak in favour of getting married at 15 usually don’t follow it when it comes to their own children.

From Mr Shafqat Ali, Abu Dhabi

 

 

Too young

Some girls reach puberty as early as 9 years old – what do they know about the “freedom to marry” or how to be a mother? What about young girls’ freedom to achieve literacy? Knowledge? Education? A career? Young girls are at the mercy of predatory older men. They deserve the protection of the law until they are at least 16 years old.

From Mr Mark, Dubai

 

 

Can’t live without water

We have learned that water is the elixir of life (‘Shower power is such a waste!’, Gulf News, June 8). As we are able to get water in abundance in Dubai, we don’t realise the value of it. In countries like India, where water is available only for a certain duration of time and where power cuts are very common, people do not have a choice but to use water and electricity carefully. Offices with lights that are switched on all day are a very common sight in the UAE. People should be self-motivated and reduce and control the use of these essential elements.

From Mr Ashik Siju, Dubai

 

 

Dress up

I think people need to be more aware of the situation and customs in the UAE (‘Rules in public places must be respected’, Gulf News, June 8). Before stepping out of the house, women should ask themselves about the way they are dressed. It is better to dress up decently and roam freely.

From Ms Shalini Pandey, Al Ain

 

 

Offensive

Why not start a campaign with female officers armed with scarves to give to women who aren’t dressed properly? I am appalled at the extreme immodesty of some tourists on the Dubai Metro. I often wish I had an extra pashmina or scarf that I could give to some women to help them dress more appropriately in public. I may be a Westerner but I too find that some attire is uncomfortable to wear in public.

From Ms Catherine Strong, Dubai

 

 

Proud

Congratulations to Leanna Shuttleworth (‘Dubai teenager stands on top of the world’, Gulf News, June 9). We are proud of you. God bless you with many more achievements.

From Ms Nalini Devakumar, Dubai

 

 

A great achievement

I am very proud of Shuttleworth, congratulations. You reached the highest mountain in the world!

From Ms Lorie P. Rogelio, Dubai

 

 

The future of technology

I don’t think that introducing tablets in school will reduce the cognitive development of a child, as the tablet gives an overview of the situation (‘Tablets in schools?’, Gulf News, June 9). Also, a student can explore more than what was taught in the classroom, and thus when the teacher is explaining the chapter the student can get a clear idea of the topic being taught. This is a way for the students to explore more and not limit their knowledge to their textbook. Overall I think that tablet teaching would be a welcome change in the school environment.

From Mr Shalini Nair, Sharjah

 

A source of knowledge

Tablets would really help students with their school work. A textbook consists of papers, words and pictures, while a tablet has access to more information than the mind can comprehend. While the professor is teaching, the students can watch video examples or have more information regarding the subject so that they understand the topic better. There will have to be restrictions so that the students won’t be surfing the internet or be distracted during school hours. Everyone thinks of technology as a negative thing, but in reality it is a door that once opened could help one access information and knowledge – it all depends on how it is used.

From Mr Jason Maccers, Al Ain