Recording a video isn’t helping

Recording a video isn’t helping

The report on the worker being attacked in Saudi Arabia happened to be the second in a series of such incidents, with the first one being reported in Kuwait (“Expat worker was attacked ‘after asking for dues’”, Gulf News, August 19). Reports on such violent behaviour are not doing any good to the image of the host country. It is a sad reality that there are such people who display no regard for civility and politeness and often flout the rule of the land. But it’s the gross callousness of those who witness such incidents that raises questions on how our society has become so indifferent to acts of violent and unruly behaviour, to the extent that our reflexes don’t get us rushing towards the victim to help, rather we pull out our smartphone and record the scene. Such an attitude borders on diabolical perversion, wherein we shamelessly take pride in the number of likes and comments that a video of such nature is going to generate on social media. Yes, on the flipside social media serves as a great tool for bringing up social issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. However, what is important is that when someone’s life is at risk, people must rush to help unless there is a life threatening situation for everyone involved. At least, someone could make an attempt to call the police or try to muster more support from onlookers.

From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer

Dubai

Horrific act

I read the report about Daesh executing an 82-year-old man (“Daesh beheads elderly ex-antiquities chief in Syria’s Palmyra”, Gulf News, August 19). That is horrifying! They beheaded him and posted the picture on the internet, as if it was an honourable job. This is all due to a lack of education.

From Ms Mathi Uthaya

Dubai

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Circus act

Indian Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav apparently finds it difficult to believe that gang rape is possible (“Insensitive Samajwadi Party chief yet again makes mockery of rape incidents”, Gulf News, August 19). He is the same person who responded to a previous rape incident with the statement: “Boys will be boys.” What a farce! If people in positions of authority display such ignorance and dismissiveness, what hope can the general populace have for justice? I do not understand how such oblivious, illiterate people become state leaders. India needs a complete overhaul in its state leadership. Every other week, we hear of ministers or party chiefs passing ludicrous comments that trivialise important issues and set back the country by years. India needs to bring in young blood into authoritative roles — people who are educated, aware of the country’s needs and priorities, uninterested in corrupt practices and are driven by one goal — to see the country prosper.

From Ms Safiya Hussain

Dubai

He gives us hope

I attended the historic event where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. I am not associated with politics and many of us non-resident Indians (NRI) don’t even go home to vote. The economic downturn, devaluation in the Indian currency, increase in population, crimes, diseases and corruption don’t seem to bother any of us. We get our salary at the end of the month and we are happy. We say we are proud to be Indian, but many places in the country do not have electricity for 24 hours a day and the infrastructure in many places hasn’t improved at all. And all we do is hope that one day all these issues will be sorted out. But how and when, no one knows. But, with his speech, Modi somehow gave us the confidence that things will get better. All the things he said are what we, NRIs, would have said if given the opportunity. But, his fearless nature is what we are lacking. Hats off to him and I hope he works towards India’s progress.

From Mr Anand Pichai

Dubai

Serving the people

There are many good people on this planet who face danger and adversity in order to help others. Some of them are globally renowned from the beginning of their actions, like Malala Yousufzai, a Pakistani activist. Some are even recognised after a long time, like Kailash Satyarthi, Indian children’s rights and education advocate, and many others remain unknown. The World Humanitarian Day, which was marked on August 19, is a day meant for such people who can go beyond their means to work for others. In the words of the United Nations (UN), “The day is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.” Now, the UN is knocking at our doors to inspire the human race. All of us are called to be proactive messengers of humanity, which is on the brink of tragedy. We need to celebrate humanitarians around the world and we, as global citizens, should take up the initiative to work for the betterment of humanity as we are an essential part of it, too. So let’s try to play the best role in serving our fellow people.

From Ms Maria Vincent

Dubai

Why does this happen?

Imagine that you serve your company for almost seven years and then another company offers you a job that is better (UAE Labour Law: Employer-employee disputes”, Gulf News, August 19). Why is it that some employers will create problems for you? We just want to work hard and earn what we deserve and yet they get upset if we move to another job. Why does this happen?

From Ms Jean Sajulga

UAE

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Anonymous consultation

I have one concern. I have seen that in other countries, if you have an issue at work you can complain to the authorities and discuss the situation anonymously. In the UAE, if you are facing certain issues at work and don’t know what to do, you can turn to the Ministry of Labour. But, they ask you to register a complaint and when you do that, your employer knows about it immediately as they call the employer to discuss it. I request the authorities to offer consultation to those complaining, prior to registering the complaint with the company.

From Mr Shahzaib Arshad

Sharjah

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Find a cheaper alternative

I do not understand why parents spend so much money on their children’s school uniforms and supplies (“Spending over Dh1,000 on school supplies”, Gulf News, August 19). I blame the parents as they are going for luxury items from stationery shops or schools. Instead of buying pencils and pens in bundles, it is always better to buy two or three, which will last for the whole year. If you can get used text books from your friends or relatives, try to do that. Your children are not going to use the same books the next year. Don’t buy expensive notebooks, instead use leftover paper from old ones and bind it together. I am giving these tips from my personal experience. I used to do this during my summer break with my parent’s help. In my time, we all studied in schools and colleges without the help of calculators. We had to do the math mentally. Then why is it mandatory for children to own scientific calculators now? Additionally, spending Dh300 on your children’s shoes is too much. You can get the same type of shoes from the market at a price of Dh150 or less. The only thing is that you have to find time to look through the market and find cheaper options. We cannot blame children for the costly items, because they will get distracted by the colourful stationery and notebooks in the market. Buy simple ones and make them understand the value of money. If parents are ready to buy all these luxury items whenever their children cry for them, then they will not have any control on their expenses.

From Mr Thottikamath Balaraman

Dubai

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