We all need to help orphaned children
Marking Arab Orphan Day on April 1 was indeed a significant occasion for opening files and raising numerous questions about these children. Particularly, we must acknowledge that commemorating this day is inevitable and it can’t be compensated for, if it is forgotten or neglected. After all, they are also human beings and part of our society.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the UAE’s renewed position as the most generous aid donor in the world, with Dh18 billion, reflects the nation’s founding principles of unconditional support for those in need. It’s a great achievement we must salute. But I feel the world’s efforts are a drop in the ocean when considering the numbers estimated by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef). Between 500 million and 1.5 billion children endure violence each year, while regional instability with increasing conflicts, only increases the numbers.
What we need is to create awareness for greater private participation, along with government efforts, to make a significant impact in our society and hence the need to acknowledge a day for orphans.
From Mr Sumanta Banerjee
Dubai
A great victory by the Windies
This was the perfect finale! What an end to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (‘Windies blow away England for title’, Gulf News, April 4)! Superb innings by Marlon Samuels of the West Indies. Congratulations to the West Indies team on their victory.
From Mr Bhatti Rakesh
UAE
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Well-deserved win
The West Indies deserved this win. They are warriors. It was a great game to watch. Well played by England, as well.
From Mr Hisham Z. Khan
UAE
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An amazing sport
Cricket is an amazing sport. I feel sorry for over 150 countries in the world that never get to experience the thrill of it.
From Mr Othman Iqbal
UAE
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Unity and confidence
Best wishes to the West Indies. They deserve more, for overcoming the turbulence and showing their unity and confidence.
From Mr Krishna Kumari
UAE
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Great champions
West Indies all the way! They are true champions, be it in the under 19s (U19), women’s or men’s championships! Superb stuff by the team.
From Mr Mahmudul Hassan
UAE
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Triple triumph
Kudos to the West Indies teams for winning both the women’s and men’s championships and the U19. Definitely, this triple triumph is a delight for them and should boost morale in West Indies cricket. This augurs well for the West Indies, who were the least favoured to win the World Cup. Though their top order made a mess of an achievable target, thanks to the partnership of Samuels and Kraigg Brathwaite, they played a breathtaking knock of 34 in just 10 balls.
Till then, no one thought they could get the required 19 runs in six balls, but Brathwaite had a different plan in mind. While we are happy that this win will put an end to the troubles with the West Indies Cricket Board, we feel sorry for England’s Eoin Morgan and his team, who played their heart out. All in all, it was an entertaining cricket match and the best team won the trophy.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Extend Global Village
We visit Global Village every year, with much anticipation, and find it very instructive and entertaining. I know of people from Canada and Australia who plan their holidays so that they can pay a visit to the Global Village. Now that the weather is still pleasant, it would be a shame if it closes on April 9. There will be many people from various countries who come to spend their summers and school holidays in Dubai and I think it would be wonderful if the closing date could be extended to the end of April.
From Ms Asiya Ansari
Dubai
Therapy for fear of heights
I am terrified of heights and do not go on roller coaster rides in America’s amusement parks, but I believe this device could be used to help people overcome their fear of heights and be used in therapy (‘Facebook video: Would you dare walk on this plank?’, Gulf News, March 31). I would love to try it at least once.
From Ms Rosella Lm
UAE
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Show employers your skill
Many workers are skilled as well as talented, but employers are not ready to pay well (‘Shortage: UAE firms struggle to find skilled professionals’, Gulf News, April 1). That’s why employees should work hard and show their skills. They must show their talent where people value it. Employees know this well.
From Mr Shahadat Tapadar
UAE
Facebook comment
Pay employees more
Employees have skills, but many employers don’t pay the right amount to their employees. They only pay them to be there, in the office. Those who are in managerial or senior level posts should realise that the grand salaries they are making, are largely because of skilled workers, who work hard to meet their targets every month.
From Mr Raja Imman Basu
UAE
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Breaking the silence
While the happy-go-lucky community rejoices at anything and everything that comes their way, there is a parallel population that feels the need to be reminded that they have the right to be happy, too. People suffering from depression are often extremely reserved, quiet and docile. They feel abandoned, lonely and refuse to open up about what is causing them so much pain.
Depression is a killer and we cannot let our loved ones become its victims. It is a very widespread issue, especially in today’s times. Perhaps the person next to us on the Dubai Metro, too, is suffering from it and we may not know! It is often taken as a casual, unimportant problem. But, as a matter of fact, depression is at times as fatal as cancer. It eats up the soul of the person, leaving him/her lifeless and dull. We need to help our people. Let’s start with helping our own dear ones before taking this further and helping the community. Wouldn’t it be so much nicer if we would lend a helping hand to the ‘shy one’ in our friends’ circle? Wouldn’t it be a little kinder to be the listening ear for a relative who often appears tense? They can be full of life again. They have the inner strength and perhaps they just need someone like you or me to remind them of it.
From Ms Shereen Mir
UAE
Take heed and protect yourself
This is a lesson, not only for those who are planning to do such horrible crimes, but also to all women as well (‘Two jailed for life for kidnap, rape attempt’, Gulf News, March 31). We need to be vigilant, especially if we are in a new place. How could a woman go along with people, especially men, whom she doesn’t even know? Never agree to go with strangers in their private cars, even if it is related to a job offer. Ask them for the exact location of the office and go by yourself. Be safe!
From Ms Zahra Mohammad
UAE
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Be cautious, don’t be gullible
I completely agree, Ms Zahra Mohammad! You shouldn’t let an employer feel that you are desperate for a job, and seem gullible enough to believe everything they say.
From Ms Sai Ballera Soliveres
UAE
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Don’t trust strangers
Why do people trust strangers so easily? I would never go with any person, even if they were giving me a job on the spot. One can go on a public bus to the interview location instead.
From Mr Abdul Rahman
UAE
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Hold them accountable
To those who believe that it was the woman who made the mistake here, I feel this is the wrong line of thinking. Men need to be held accountable for their actions. A man would never have to fear meeting strangers, like a woman would.
From Ms Trisha Aquino
Manila, Philippines
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Forever an inspiration
It’s really sad that Zaha Hadid, a famous Iraqi architect, has died (‘Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid dies of heart attack aged 65: company’, Gulf News, April 1). May God bless her soul. Her work was the finest exponent of modern architecture and she remains a source of inspiration for many budding architects.
From Mr Khalid Anwar
Mumbai, India
Facebook comment
A visionary architect
I was so sad to hear about Hadid. Gone before her time. She was an original, a visionary and a fearless architect. All those jealous, mediocre architects who put her down can now rest easy. Their biggest and most talented rival is gone! Rest in peace.
From Ms Marie Bunworth
Limerick, Ireland
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Prayers for her
This is terrible news! May her soul rest in peace. The world has lost a great architect.
From Mr Rahaf Al Otaibi
UAE
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A mental illness, not a crime
The article about kleptomania was a really informative and interesting read (‘Why millionaires are stealing in Sharjah’, Gulf News, March 29). Kleptomania is an urge to steal an item for reasons other than profit or personal use. My friend’s wife suffers from kleptomania and this has caused my friend a few embarrassing moments, both in India and abroad. Because of this, they also refrain from visiting relatives and attending functions. We have also heard of Hollywood stars like Winona Ryder, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears having been arrested for shoplifting. It could be that they, too, suffer from this disprder. They have had to go through trials and serve sentences.
Although this is a psychological disorder, like all other mental ailments, kleptomaniacs are dealt with like thieves and are often arrested and publicly put to shame. They do confess that these ‘thefts’ are often done unknowingly. It would often be difficult for security personnel to distinguish between a kleptomaniac and a proper thief. We can only wish for them to be dealt with empathetically if found shoplifting, so that their loved ones do not have to face the humiliation.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
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