Letters: December 27, 2011

Film stars must be role models
A ‘soup song' that does not have any major ingredients like melody and tune has crossed all barriers and reached out to millions ("Meet Anirudh, the man behind Kolaveri di", Gulf News, December 22). It has become the anthem of the youth. The media has a great influence on our lives. Just to prove this point, I would like to share a humorous incident that happened in my child's class two weeks ago. The boys were asked to mark places on the map. Instead of finding ‘Kalibangan', a pre-historic site in Rajasthan, India, marked on the map, the teacher was shocked to find ‘Kolaveri' highlighted in one of the test papers. Such is the vast effect of the media on our youth. When movie heroes turn role models to millions of youngsters, I sincerely feel they should take up the responsibility of conveying the right messages to youngsters. There is so much potential in film stars, famous personalities and sportsmen that they can speak about an array of problems plaguing today's youth. They can act as brand ambassadors of campaigns against smoking, drugs and alcohol, and make a difference in many people's lives, instead of merely endorsing fairness creams and toothpastes.
From Ms Radha Hari
UAE

Higher frequency of buses
This is good news indeed ("Abu Dhabi to introduce more routes and buses", Gulf News, December 21). The authorities are providing a great service for people to travel across Abu Dhabi at cheap prices. I would like to suggest, or rather request, the authorities concerned to increase the frequency of buses from areas such as Musaffah, Baniyas and Shahama. This will ease the hardship of people who are forced to stand all the way with their children.
From Ms Tamanna
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Late arrival
This is good news for all Abu Dhabi residents — keep up the good work. However, I have a complaint — some buses don't arrive on time. I understand that if there is heavy traffic, then buses will be delayed. However, many buses come directly from Marina Mall (the starting point). Also, while you see three No.5 buses pass by, bus No.11 is not in sight. How do you explain that? My suggestion is to keep all buses on track. However, the bottom line is that the Abu Dhabi Municipality has improved its services.
From Ms Lilia
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Direct bus routes
We are happy to read such news about expanding the services offered to customers. But, I would like to draw your attention to the lack of buses plying between Hamdan Street and Airport Road — the time interval between buses is often more than 20 minutes. People like me who live outside the city now need to get buses from Khalifa Street and pass through crowded areas such as Hamdan Street, Electra Street and Madinat Zayed to reach the main bus station. If more buses are added to directly go from one side of Hamdan Street to Mushrif, then it will save a lot of time for many commuters. Please think about it and take action urgently.
From Mr Naushad
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Save the Philippines
This is a message to all people around the world — the Philippines has declared a state of calamity, brought about by tropical storm Washi ("Philippine flood victims' bodies float at sea", Gulf News, December 22). Your small gestures of kindness in this matter will help change the lives of thousands of people. They are in need of prayer, shelter and clothing.
From Mr Ricky
Dubai
Website comment

Call for help
Our country, the Philippines, is suffering from the after-effects of the destructive tropical storm Washi. I would like to request you all to help our brothers and sisters in any possible way. Thank you in advance. Bless the ones who are affected.
From Ms Rina Caday
Fujairah
Website comment

Those who wish to donate to flood victims and displaced families in the Philippines can drop off parcels at the Karama branch of Luzon Brokerage Corporation (LBC), the largest courier company in the Philippines. For inquiries, call 800-522000 or visit their branch at Mubarak Khalifa Building 75, Shop No 4, 10D Street, Al Karama. 

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your views or write to the newspaper, log on to www.gulfnews.com or email us atreaders@gulfnews.com