PROFILES:
FIRST: Vivekanandhan M.N.
Published on: March 19, 2015
Vivekanandhan M.N. is a student of the Our Own High School, in Dubai’s Al Warqa’a area. He has had a passion for books since he was much younger and in November 2014, he converted his dream into reality when he started the ‘Share ‘N’ Care Library’ at his residence.
He said: “I express my sincere thanks to Gulf News for publishing information about my library. I have had a large collection of books since childhood and I hope to spread the joy of reading.”
He has over 450 books and e-books on offer for his neighbours and people in his community. Membership cards are issued for the members and Vivekanandhan monitors the borrowing of books.
He said: “I also organised various events to bring awareness among youngsters. The last event we hosted was for the National Environment Day on February 4. I gave out saplings to the members and requested them to take a positive step towards conserving and preserving the environment.”
SECOND: Rema Manohar
Published on: March 25, 2015
Rema Manohar, an ophthalmologist based in Dubai, wrote about using vegetable scraps and seeds to grow plants in her balcony. She has been living in the emirate for 16 years and loves gardening. But, since she lives in an apartment it was hard to maintain plants.
She said: “A year ago, I got some seeds for a tomato plant and put them in a pot in my apartment’s balcony. It grew up to be a wonderful plant and had lots of tomatoes. So, this year, I thought of doing something different and it was a huge success! I was so happy with the outcome and my family was especially fascinated by the bell pepper. Sadly, all the plants are slowly dying now because the temperature is getting warmer.”
She reused the water used to wash fruit and vegetables at home to water the plants. The recycling process gives her immense pleasure.
She said: “I encourage other people to do the same, including the shop owners. They could keep a few pots of plants outside their shops and use the vegetables that have gone bad. Additionally, the water from the airconditioner’s vent could be used for the plants.”
THIRD: Manoj Kumar
Published on: March 9, 2015
Manoj Kumar Aswani is a resident of Dubai International City since 2009 and is bothered by the lack of the residents’ civic sense.
He said: “This is one of the best communities in Dubai for people of the middle income groups. It is economical and beautifully planned. The authorities are spending money on creating parking facilities, beautifying the area and providing proper pavements for those who walk. The municipality workers are seen cleaning up the place and gardening. But, there is such a lack of civic sense amongst the residents. They dry their laundry on the plants and throw empty tea cups and cans in the bushes. Are we still living in the Stone Age? Why are residents waiting to be penalised to change their attitude?”
Kumar is in favour of people raising their voice against things that concern them.
He said: “I strongly believe in community reporting, because we as residents need to be safe, secure and comfortable. Additionally, we also have responsibilities towards the country that we live in and so we should come forward and join hands to work for a better future instead of just discussing the issues at a dinner party.”
Profiles compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
