Dubai
The month of April saw several community reports being filed by readers across the UAE. It is such a joy to see these efforts come in, especially as they help make the place we live in better.
Each report is done to drive social consciousness and help others refrain from making similar mistakes or to alert the authorities to something that needs to be rectified. This conveys a sense of buy-in and a belonging that cannot be achieved in any other manner. A tightly woven community makes for a healthier, safer and happier existence for all involved.
There are those among us who are affected by bad conduct and social issues but fail to do much about it other than to perhaps raise it in a conversation. But, some make the effort to document and highlight it, in a bid to seek a resolution. Our community journalists fall into the latter category of people, and it is residents like them that are necessary on a local, national and global scale to help society change for the better. I would like to thank and commend all our readers who go that extra mile.
As always it was a tough decision-making process, but, finally, top position was handed to the community report ‘Motorists need to be more careful on the road’ by Nitin Kumar from Al Ain, published on April 28. He raised the issue of people attending to their vehicles in busy traffic areas, which is an extremely dangerous practice for both the people involved and other drivers. It has to be stopped, and this report raises this matter of extreme importance.
Second place goes to the community report ‘Don’t forget to clear up after you’re done’ by Ramaprasad Macharlu Srinivasamurthy from Dubai, published on April 2. It talked about the rubbish left behind by companies post building activies, especially near construction sites. A valid observation that should be paid heed to by the civic authorities. Fines should be implemented for lack of compliance.
Abandoned animals are a big issue in the country, especially in the summer, as many families travel. Quite often the pets are left to fend for themselves. It is inhuman conduct and hardly becoming of an evolved society. We are responsible for these animals, just as we are for other members of our family. These reports display an appalling side of our society, and I call upon all our readers to make sure that we do our best to put a stop to this in every manner possible. The report, ‘Longing for a caring place called home...”, by Montserrat Martin, published on April 6, is a heart-wrenching tale. Hopefully, we’ll see fewer of this as more of the community comes forward to protect and save animals, we owe it to our four-legged friends. This report receives third position.
We hope to see many more community issues brought to the fore next month and continue with the effort to bring positive change from within. Please do send in your ideas and be a community journalist.
If you like, you can write directly to us on readers@gulfnews.com or post a comment on our Facebook page. You can also tweet to us on@GNReaders
PROFILES OF WINNERS:
First place: Nitin Kumar
Nitin Kumar has been reading Gulf News since 1990 and finds it easy to raise issues such as the one he wrote about, with the newspaper.
He said: “Community reports are a great platform for people to raise an issue, get justice or resolve their disputes. When a report is published, readers can see that often, the matter that appears in this page reaches a logical conclusion and is even resolved by the authorities. This will give people confidence to write about their grievances.”
Second place: Ramaprasad Macharlu Srinivasamurthy
Ramaprasad Macharlu Srinivasamurthy thinks that using media’s help is the best way to get his message out.
He said: “I believe community reports are an effective platform to reach people, both locally and internationally. Only through media we can instantly get the message through to millions.”
After his report was published, Srinivasamurthy says he did notice a positive outcome.
He said: “I have seen a positive response. But, unfortunately I see this problem cropping up in other areas, too.”
Third place: Montserrat Martin
Montserrat Martin is the founder of Friends of Animals group and is based in Dubai. She hopes that there would be a change in the attitude people have towards animals.
She said: “Animal welfare is not just about cats or dogs — it is about the people we become along the way when treating them.”
