We recognise our vigilant readers

Community reports allow readers the chance to be the eyes and ears in their neighbourhood and tell Gulf News what is happening around them. Our community reporters choose to point out concerning behaviour such as reckless bicyclists; other times people share their experience participating in charity initiatives. Communicating with their fellow community reporters on how they can reduce litter or raise money to buy books for a children's school, Gulf News readers take advantage of this interactive platform.

Today we acknowledge and award the community reporters whose message stood out amongst the others in April. The community reports were judged by Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed. The criteria for selection included content, issue, impact on community, responsibility and the quality of contribution.

1. Taking the tablet craze a bit too far
April 30
By Senthil Kumar

Profile: Senthil Kumar is an operations manager based in Dubai. While he and his colleagues drove to work, he did not expect to see someone use their tablet as they drove. Kumar asked his colleague to take a picture of the incident, especially after the driver kept using the tablet for the next 30 minutes.

Kumar said that if the driver and others see the community report, maybe they will realise the risk they are taking. He said, "At the end of the day, community reports are good because they raise awareness for anyone who reads them."

Reason for Selection

Texting while driving has long been an issue of focus for community reports, but this report illustrated an escalation to the problem as a driver used his tablet in the car. For that reason, Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed commended the message raised by this reader. He said: "And you thought texting and eating were dangerous while driving. This takes the cake."

2. Height of irresponsibility
April 24
By Agniyah Shaikh

Profile: Agniyah Shaikh is a teacher based in Sharjah. She said: "I believe that living in any community, one has to be responsible and responsive to their surroundings. Only then will it result in change, especially positive changes in our society." Shaikh considers community reports to be a great platform "to create both responsible and responsive residents."

3. There's no excuse for carelessness
April 23
By Nadia ShameeR

Profile: Nadia Shameer is a reader based in Sharjah. She wrote her community report after noticing a baby sitting on the ledge of an open window, several floors up. Although, the baby was with a nanny, Shameer was concerned by the sight. She said: "Being a mother, I was tense when I saw them. These days many accidents are happening - some are by mistake and others due to carelessness."

Reasons for Selection

Child safety is always a major issue highlighted by authorities and even our community reporters, but people continue to disregard safety guidelines for young children. These community reporters captured two dangerous incidents that could've been fatal. Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed said: "Both pictures show how utter neglect can lead to accidents. No fine or stringent action can cure this ill. We have to be more responsible."

4. Plastic litter flies in the face of avian life
April 11
By Ramaprasad M. Srinivasamurthy

Profile: Ramaprasad M. Srinivasamurthy is an assistant manager based in Dubai. His community report demonstrated the side-effects of littering after he witnessed a bird trapped in a piece of plastic. He said: "Community reports are definitely a useful platform because we can reach people and convey our messages. I am confident that even a little change makes a difference."

5. Throwing rubbish into street is disgusting
April 19
By Rakhee Mansukhani

Profile: Rakhee Mansukhani is a reader based in Dubai. She noticed that a bag of garbage broke someone's windshield after being tossed from a balcony, making her believe that "people are losing their civic sense." Mansukhani said: "Community reports a very good platform to get the messages across to other people."

Reasons for Selection

Littering is not only bad for the environment but also inconsiderate. These community reports show how bad the results can be when people litter. Senior Hub Editor Meher Murshed said: "The reports highlight how our selfishness and lack of consideration for others can cause harm and damage. Wonder if the bird ever got rid of that plastic tangled around its neck."