Honouring Mandela’s legacy
Nelson Mandela belongs to that category of men who have graced our civilisation with their personal charisma and noble contributions. His struggle against the apartheid in South Africa is known to everyone. His selflessness, his sincerity, his magnificence inspires all. In his honour, International Mandela Day is celebrated every year on July 18, the day Nelson Mandela was born. On this day, people around the world are encouraged to spend at least 67 minutes doing something positive for their communities in honour of the 67 years that the late South African president spent fighting for social justice and a free, democratic country. It aims to inspire a ripple of good deeds throughout the world and looks to encourage individuals and communities to take one small step towards the larger leap of making a positive imprint. It is not a mere celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to take his life’s work into a new century and change our world for the better. Each one of us can make a difference. If we all make a difference together, our collective effort can truly change the world. It is a day for all of us to opt into humanity - to roll up our sleeves and play an active role in building our communities. Our world desperately needs people like Mandela who have the power to change the world for the better. If we resolve to devote some of our time for the betterment of society, we can bring the change!
From Ms Harmanjot Kaur
Sharjah
In the spirit of justice
On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela was grateful to be freed after 27 years of unjust confinement. I was grateful for his release and I was just as grateful that I had enough political knowledge from a young age to be aware of the injustices committed around the world — usually to the benefit of the large corporations and their puppet governments. I hope most people don’t turn off their political radar today. We need to seek further justice for like-minded individuals elsewhere in the world, because greed doesn’t take a vacation. What the black population of South Africa endured for so long — such is the plight of the Palestinians in their occupied land. It’s a different location, but it’s the same problem. If you want to keep the spirit of justice alive, don’t just teach your children to read, encourage them to always ask questions.
From Mr Timothy Reducha
UAE
Do something selfless
Nelson Mandela is one of my role models. I have read about him and I appreciate his devotion to the service of humanity, the promotion and protection of human rights, children rights, uplifting the poor and underdeveloped communities and his value for peace. He is the epitome of selfless service to communities and humanity. I have been doing my bit to improve the lives of others by volunteering and taking part in charity services. Similarly, I would like to urge all readers to try to make a difference by doing something for others selflessly, like Mandela did for 67 years of his life. People should devote 67 minutes of their time to help others today, to mark International Nelson Mandela Day. Fortunately, we reside in this wonderful country, the UAE, which is known as a global humanitarian hub. The UAE offers innumerable opportunities to volunteer and donate for the needy, orphans and people with special needs through various charitable centres, projects and reputed organisations like Emirates Red Crescent. Let’s take action and inspire change.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
Changing South Africa
There is no doubt that Mandela created a revolution, forever marking his name in South Africa’s history, and it is laudable. Even though he was described as part of a terrorist organisation in 1987 by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, after a three-hour long discussion in 1990, he changed the image of South Africa. Even though Mandela has departed, millions of people pay tribute to this great leader who believed in peace. I salute this leader on this occasion. He played a major role in South African people’s welfare and prosperity.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Keep Ramadan essence
I agree with this article because I have realised that Ramadan is just being commercialised and hyped up, like Christmas and New Years Eve (‘Ramadan tent trend moving youth away from holy month’s essence’, Gulf News, July 13). Having iftars are not a problem, but offering shisha and live music is a problem for me, because then, who is going to pray at Maghrib and Isha times? The essence of staying close to God has faded. I enjoy iftars, but I always miss prayers at such venues, due to which, I prefer to have iftar at home.
From Ms Asma Sid
UAE
Website comment
Not a festival
This was a much needed article. Instead of worshipping God, the month of Ramadan is nowadays treated like a festival.
From Mr Sa’ad
UAE
Website comment
A serious issue
Yes, this is 100 per cent true. This is a serious issue that all Muslims need to think about. The month is when the focus should be on spirituality and getting closer to God.
From Mr Bigmoh Mohethio
UAE
Facebook comment
Too much socialising
I agree! Everything has become about socialising and having shisha at these tents. Sometimes, people end up spending thousands of dirhams — and nothing on self reflection and worship.
From Ms Aisha Yaqub
Dubai
Facebook comment
Pakistan should act, too
This is great support from the UAE, but any idea what the Pakistani government is doing (‘UAE supports major projects in Pakistan’, Gulf News, July 12)? Already they have 100 to 120 nuclear warheads and the national parties are busy blaming each other. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seems to have other things on his mind.
From Mr Anees
UAE
Website comment
Giving opportunities to rookies
Congratulations to Sanju Samson for his inclusion on the Indian cricket team. Though he should have found a place on the original team, he is lucky enough to be chosen as a replacement for the injured Ambatti Rayadu. This is nothing but a blessing in disguise. Now that Robin Uthappa is found wanting, both in front and behind the wickets, we hope Samson will get a proper place in the team. At the same time, we feel sorry for Uthappa, who once again got the stepmother treatment. Since Ajinkya Rahane had to prove his detractors wrong, instead of Uthappa opening with Murali Vijay, he promoted himself to open and prove a point or two. We sincerely hope that Uthappa will get a chance to open in the T-20 matches at least.
From Ms N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Begs a second thought
Coming from a country where there is nearly no law or justice, we often would like the death penalty to be brought back (‘Reem Island killer executed by firing squad; first execution under counter-terror law’, Gulf News, July 14). I appreciate living in the UAE, where there is justice. It will hopefully make the next person considering a crime think twice.
From Ms Cathy Delfau
Dubai
Facebook comment
Shouldn’t help the guilty
I live in a country that doesn’t apply the death penalty and I’m studying social work. I should be against the death penalty, yet I’m not, because if I put myself in the situation, I’m supposed to believe these murderers need help. But, if any of them hurt my daughter, I highly doubt that my response will be, ‘hey, let’s help these murderers’.
From Ms Hazel Ali Hayek
Auckland, New Zealand
Facebook comment
This is a safe place
There is justice in the UAE. Perhaps that’s why I feel safe here as a woman, in contrast to so many other ‘developed’ countries. I’ve also been to a great number of countries and surprisingly seen the dark ages in many of the modern ones. As a mother, I also know that my children are much safer in the UAE than anywhere else. Life is really good here and the UAE has achieved more in a short period than most of the world.
From Ms Izabella Salloum
Dubai
Facebook comment
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