The benefits of reading and the power of words
As a self-proclaimed teenage bookworm, I feel the efforts taken by the UAE authorities, as well as Gulf News, in the form of #GNBookClub, has impressed me greatly (‘Why we read: authors on the power on literature’, Gulf News, April 26). Nowadays, most people fail to see the goodness in the power of words, which makes such measures necessary. Featuring an article on the importance of reading to spread awareness was the best thing that could have been done. I have discovered the simple beauty of stories and it has benefitted me in unimaginable ways. I am glad that now, everyone else has the opportunity to do the same. Well done, Gulf News!
From Ms Anya Kurian
Sharjah
Reuse books to spread knowledge
I recycle paper, plastic and printer toners, and among paper products, I recycle newspapers, magazines, paper cartons, empty food packaging, empty paper coffee cups, tissue boxes and old office documents (Community report in-depth: Paper: Where does it all go?’, Gulf News, April 26). Regarding books, I prefer to give them away to charity and in the case of academic books, I give them to my juniors in my school or neighbourhood. Books are a source of knowledge and are not a use-and-throw item. Books can continue to pass on valuable information to people, regardless of the number of times they have been read. Instead of recycling, I feel books should be given to those who are deprived of such joy.
Things should be recycled only once they are completely used and cannot be reused further. Only then is the true worth of recycling realised, because what could have been wasted, has now been turned into a resource.
From Ms Nicole Ann George
UAE
Always recycling and reuse
I have been recycling books for quite a few years now. I do keep some books for reference, but mostly, I give them away to students. I have been giving away old books since the past three years. I also use my old books for notes and always make sure to use both sides of a page or worksheet. I have also supplied some books to the Bee’ah School of Environment. I constantly give newspapers to Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).
From Ms Vismaya Sanilkumar
UAE
Take advantage of weekends
I could not agree more with Mr Othman Iqbal’s letter (‘Letters to the editor: Don’t take vacations’, Gulf News, May 1). After many years of a one-day weekend, where all activities — domestic, spiritual and leisure-related — were crammed into an early Thursday evening and a late Friday, a two-day weekend was finally introduced, and it was such a boon to me!
Thursday evenings are for relaxation and some housework, whereas Friday is a spiritual day, with a nice lunch. After this, I would have a relaxed day, dedicated to leisure — the beach, cinema, mall or rest by reading or watching television.
On Saturday, it is good to have a worthwhile plan. Housework and then a trip to Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, for instance, or a change of routine — a quiet walk and time for good food and friends.
Having 52 weekends a year, plus bank holidays, is great if you utilise this time well. The savings are considerable and the recharge is as relaxing as extensive travel with all the related expenditure. I am in my second year of fund building. Next year, perhaps I might have a vacation. But my general goal is to be happy, stay at home and save.
From Mr Keith Lupton
Dubai
Jaywalking fine must be bigger
It must be a hefty fine of more than Dh200, in order to teach pedestrians a lesson (‘Sharjah Police fine 390 jaywalkers in a week’, Gulf News, May 2). In order to stop people from repeating their mistakes, it has to hit them hard, financially.
From Mr Mahmoud Sadique
UAE
Facebook comment
More bridges
It appears these pedestrians aren’t concerned about risking their lives. Perhaps the authorities could construct more pedestrian bridges or crossings.
From Mr Sam Ali
UAE
Facebook comment
More options needed
I agree that there are not enough pedestrian bridges or crossings. What else could people do, in this case? If people had more options, there would be fewer cases of jaywalking.
From Ms Sharon Pereira Rodrigues
UAE
Facebook comment
Fines are necessary, too
But, Ms Sharon Pereira Rodrigues, even if there were enough pedestrian bridges and crossings, I think people would still jaywalk. The only way to make them use these crossings is by issuing fines.
From Mr Mohit Mohan
UAE
Facebook comment
Making the community better
This is surely good news for people like me, who stay in this area, since I have been noticing a lot of illegal practices around the building where I stay (‘Police raid Sharjah open-air den of crime’, Gulf News, May 1). It is astonishing to see people having the audacity to sell and consume alcohol in parking lots.
Having read this article, it has given me a sense of relief, but more can be done to help me and the people living in nearby areas feel completely secure. I will be grateful to see further action in these areas, where residents are working hard and looking to live a normal life without complications.
From Mr Mohammad Abdul Raafe
UAE
Thread the needle
US Republican candidate Donald Trump is waving his trump card in the American general elections (‘A confident Trump seeks knockout in Indiana’, Gulf News, May 3). He trusts that he will easily defeat Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton. It is no longer an impossible mission, but he will need to thread the needle if he is to be the Republican frontrunner who challenges the likely Democratic nominee in November. He has to secure the votes of 1,237 delegates to prevail and avoid a chaotic contested convention. The winner-takes-all state of Indiana was the key. California, the largest state, which votes in June on the last day of the Republican primaries, is absolutely crucial. Under the party’s quirky rules, more than 100 Republican delegates are headed to the convention unbound: they can vote for any eligible candidate they choose.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Making lives miserable
The article about the armed guards at India’s dams, as drought leaves farmers dry, was a good read. This is the first time India is facing such acute water shortage in many places, and farmers are the most affected. In certain places where little water is available, men with guns are guarding the area, to prevent the theft of water. Now, the time has come for the Indian government to plan a fruitful strategy to avert water shortages in the future. Today, water has become more precious than money. Climate change and the lack of anticipatory plans from the state and central governments of India have made people’s lives miserable.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
A humble human being
The rude behaviour of the superstar’s bodyguard is unacceptable (‘Akshay Kumar apologises to fan after punching incident’, Gulf News, May 1). His assault on one of the fans is unjustifiable because I feel it is wrong to harm someone in the process of protecting another individual. However, the fact that the actor himself apologised to his fan, shows his love and respect for his admirers. The actor indeed is a humble human being who values the emotions of his fans. Kumar must provide training to his security personnel and instruct them to remain calm and patient when dealing with the public.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Politicians should work for the people
It is really unfortunate that with the tumbling of AgustaWestland Helicopter deal bribe, once again, parliamentary proceedings have been stalled in India (‘Helicopter deal raises a storm’, Gulf News, May 3). The general public in the country is really disgusted by these series of events. Like the Republicans and Democrats in the US and the Conservatives and Labour Party in the UK, who are coexisting peacefully, why can’t India’s political leaders, too, follow a similar path and conduct parliament sessions for the benefit of the common man? It is high time that the country’s politicians shed differences and suppress egos, to bring in the much-awaited ‘better days’ for the benefit of the country.
From Mr N. Hariharan
Chennai, India
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
