Women: Lives of quiet desperation
“Life’s too short to worry. My life, my rules.” I hear this quite often, but in reality does this statement go any further than a mere fashion quote? We no longer live to fulfil our hearts ambition, dreams or wishes. We have all been pushed into a frenzy of living our life the way others like to see it, by following unwritten rules and superstitions that have been etched in the minds of people since generations. It’s natural human behaviour to let jealousy take over their talks and doings, which may then cause a drastic tragedy in some people’s life. Who or what is to be blamed? Is it society? They say the world is a developed and civilised place with equality for men and women, but is that the truth? Did women ever gain freedom? Maybe not all, but majority of the people prefer to see women [staying] indoors, living their life for the sake of being born. Why are men given privilege when it wasn’t by anybody’s reservations or blessings that some would be born as men while others as women? When will the day arrive when common people actually realise that women are also human with feelings and want freedom? I wonder if there will ever be a day when we can all live according to what our heart whispers is right.
From Ms R. Abbas
UAE

The concept of hard work
As we all are aware, life is a struggle. We are merely players who are at stake. Maybe that is what has inspired William Shakespeare to write “all the world’s a stage.” In between this entry to life through the doors of birth and our exits through the doors of death, hard work is undeniably an integral part of our lives. I have often heard people grumbling over destiny that has marked their lives. But according to me, with hard work and determination we will be able to mark our destiny. During this journey through life we all have to play many parts but only some are able to leave their marks as they leave. This is only because they have mixed hard work with their life in the right proportion. Fortune favours the hardworking ones. Nothing worthwhile erupts in life without a struggle. So it is essential to understand the principle of hard work.
From Ms Fatima Siyab Al Deen
Abu Dhabi

Was it the right decision?
Shashi Tharoor is a scapegoat (“Tharoor and the 40 thieves”, Gulf News, April 23)! Time will tell whether Tharoor’s ousting is a victory for ‘truth’ or for true stupidity. Congress’ resolve to pack him off is a good political gesture, but in terms of developmental governance [it is] a weak spineless one. I think Tharoor is a victim of his own personality! Let’s not forget his background — he is an evolved and accomplished entity, who has the fire and style to position India at a better level for the world to perceive.
From Mr Reuben Smile
Dubai

Finding the truth
With reference to the very pertinent comment on Shashi Tharoor in Gulf News, the matter must not end with Tharoor’s resignation. It should logically end with locating the source of dirty money in the Indian Premiere League (IPL). Universally, cricket has been attracting more and more high and mighty non-players to try their hand in the money spinning racket of this sport. The auction amounts in IPL series, in particular bids for two new entrants for 2011 series, are mindboggling. Tharoor and IPL commissioner Lalit Modi must be thanked for their war of words on Twitter, which eventually will spill the beans. Income tax sleuths may use consequential leads to reach up to the real owners of the teams provided there is no interference from politicians behind the scene. As expected the heavyweight politician-patrons of the money spinning sports have already assumed the role of conciliators and arbitrators. In all possibility there will be patch up to prevent more skeletons coming out.
From Mr C. S. Pathak
Pune, India

Respect traffic laws
I request authorities to make roads safer by restructuring traffic penalties. The UAE has a great road network with up to eight-lane highways, or more on some stretches. It is great fun to drive during holidays and off peak hours. But, Emirates Road and Shaikh Zayed Road have regularly witnessed horrific accidents and several precious lives are lost every year. In the past few years the number of accidents has reduced due to an increase in numbers of fixed and mobile radars, strict policing, black points and increased fines for traffic violations. Regular monitoring and implementation of effective measures can make UAE the safest place to drive. Carelessness, recklessness, not leaving enough space between cars, loud music and the use of mobile phones are all major causes of accidents. Many can afford traffic fines that do not attract black points. Such speedsters always endanger their and others’ lives. European countries are increasingly pegging speeding fines to a person’s income as a way to punish such speedsters who would otherwise ignore traffic fines. I request all concerned authorities to set similar examples in the UAE. Such rules will save many innocent lives and ensure that traffic laws are respected by all.
From Mr Sandeep Vinerkar
Sharjah

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