Michael Guzder

Special to Gulf News

Articles from the author

Birthdays then and now: From saying cheese to selfies

A look at childhood parties, family traditions, and how celebrations have changed in UAE

Celebrations are meant to be joyful, not stressful. The gifts, the venue, the tech — they’re just icing on the cake.

Gone too soon: Lasting memories of those we’ve lost

Each loss teaches us to treasure life’s fleeting beauty and love more deeply while we can

Death does not distinguish between age, achievement, wealth, or promise. It arrives silently, unannounced, reshaping the lives of those left behind.

In praise of pause: Why life isn’t meant to be a sprint

Our obsession with success risks erasing the simple joys of living

Life is not a 100-metre dash, and not everyone was born to shatter records or hoard accolades.

Cutting through the clutter: Art of quiet leadership

Lessons in clarity, simplicity, and discernment in an age of jargon and competing voices

In leadership, clarity and simplicity matter more than eloquence aimed at confusion.

How pets take over our homes — and our hearts

They demand, disrupt, and dominate — but give back laughter, loyalty, and love

Pets are stress-busters in fur coats, adding warmth, humour, and chaos.

Family first: Reclaiming childhood in a digital world

Why it is important to raise children who feel, play, and love in a world of distraction

Studies reveal a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy among children tethered to devices.

Before Instagram: A love letter to autograph books

Rediscover crooked handwriting, silly rhymes, and perfect memories of schooldays gone by

The little autograph book was more than paper and ink — it was a time capsule, capturing laughter, secrets, and the everyday drama of school life long before social media existed.

Why we must not forget our teachers

Behind every engineer, doctor, and scientist stands a teacher who lit the spark

Today’s educators are not just conveyors of facts — they must be role models, mentors, counsellors, administrators, tech experts, and sometimes even part-time parents.

In race to be first, are we losing sight of success?

History remembers patience and purpose more than speed and trophies

In our desperate race to be first, are we forgetting what it really means to be successful?

Libraries in the age of AI: Not obsolete, just quieter

Personal memories of school libraries show why these quiet sanctuaries refuse to fade away

Reading remains one of the most wonderful, slightly underestimated pastimes.

A kitten for a pet

As I key in these memories, she is on my lap, cuddled up and fast asleep. I guess we have a pet and YES we are going to keep her for as long as we can

Sunil Jacob

The joy of postcards and letters

In this age of the internet and social media everything is instant; a letter isn’t fast enough to communicate

The joy of postcards and letters

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