Lifting the ban
The long standing ban on women driving was recently lifted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this was praised by the entire globe (“Authorities dismiss claim woman drove into Saudi Arabia from Kuwait”, Gulf News, October 6). This shows that women are playing an important role. It is evident that lifting the ban indicates they will also be given an opportunity in other areas from the government. This new policy will save a lot of money for women, as they were engaging male drivers for commuting to office and other places. This will boost confidence for women, to enter the aviation industry, as the government has already announced the provision of scholarships for training pilots. In the coming days, Saudi Arabia will be more visible on the global map. Good move from Saudi Arabia.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
America’s passion for guns
The recent mass shooting in Las Vegas has again brought the issue of gun control in the US into the limelight (“US gun lobby backs calls for new curbs”, Gulf News, October 6). This incident has been the worst to date in American history, but the government does not seem to want to tackle the issue and are content with issuing press releases, condemning the act and participating in candle light vigils. Perhaps it’s high time the American people took matters into their own hands to drive the change in the mindset of the government and legislation. This carnage has gone on for too long.
From Ms Monisha Krishna
Dubai
Dangers of self-diagnosis
Not so long ago, when people fell ill or knew that something was wrong with them physically or psychologically, they would consult a doctor (“See a doctor, not google”, Gulf News, October 3 ). But with the advent of the internet, various websites, social media platforms and blogs, many people tend to go online for medical advice and self-diagnose themselves, rather than visiting a doctor. The new wave has inspired a new phenomenon called cyberchondria, a state of medical anxiety, caused by researching a medical illness or symptoms. People have become obsessed and overwhelmingly concerned with identifying their own illnesses and maladies. The internet may be relatively harmless, but putting too much faith in its medical wisdom, can end up putting your emotional and physical well-being in jeopardy. The information can be confusing, overwhelming, panic-inducing and sometimes misleading too. Hence, if you feel under the weather, it is best to consult your doctor. Where health issues are concerned, doctors are the best.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Right time, right initiative
The national initiative deserves all the praise because it is both productive and important to include moral education in the school curriculum (“UAE parents more concerned about security than privacy at school”, Gulf News, October 5). The initiative signifies the foresightedness and concern the UAE has towards the future generations. Needless to say that today’s education system has become more focused on getting jobs. Education is not all about cramming formulas and equations, but is about moulding our mind and soul. Moral education deserves to be an absolutely essential part of the school curriculum since it shapes the way for our future generations. Whether or not a person will help someone in their time of need depends on how well he was educated in ethics and moral behaviour, not how well he can recite mathematical tables and poems. Moral education means an ethical education to follow the good and right principles of life. It consists of some basic principles, like truthfulness, honesty, charity, hospitality, tolerance, love, kindness and sympathy. Moral education inculcates basic human values in the minds of children and helps in character-building. Eventually, the process will bear a meaningful impact on nation-building, too.
From Mr Shiben Krishen Raina
Rajasthan
Instilling values early
With reference to the news article about moral education, I would like to convey my appreciation for the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Ministry of Education, for their commendable efforts. This initiative will bring about a positive change for everyone in society. It will bring about progress in a student’s life. I personally feel that it is a very good initiative as, at an early age, the encouragement of good values are inculcated. It helps an individual to develop social and moral values.
From Ms Nivedita Srinivasan
Dubai
Real and fake
Social media platforms like Facebook, are not helping people boast about themselves, but help in putting a person at ease (“Social media vs personal interaction”, Gulf News, October 8). The tensions inside the body is relived and many feel safe to interact with others easily. So it is a good outlet. But boasting is not going to make any difference because once we come to know the real thing, we can cut that person off from our circle.
From Mr. Om Prakash Sharma
India
Time will tell
Congratulations to Indian cricketer Murali Vijay for becoming a father to a baby boy. It is also heartening to know that he is working hard to return to the Indian team as an opener. But with the success of Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma in One Day International (ODI) cricket, it may be a Herculean task for Murli Vijay to regain his place. Let us wait and see if whether Ravi Shastri still has faith in his capabilities. Let us wait and watch!
From Mr N. Viswaanathan
India
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