Not a wise decision
This is in reference to the ongoing crisis surrounding the Sabarimala temple protests in the Indian state of Kerala (“Death threat to woman who dared to visit Sabarimala”, Gulf News, October 24). Despite the Supreme Court’s verdict, which allows women entry to the Sabarimala temple, the peaceful protest against the decision turned violent. On one hand I applaud the Indian judiciary for the decisions they have made this year, however, this verdict, in my opinion, is not favourable to the people of India. The decision hurts the sentiments of the people. This verdict has hurt the sentiments of the people and has changed a very old practice. Any religious faith should not be disturbed. In the long term, this verdict may not be a palatable one. The ultimate sufferer of such decisions are the common people. I hope the state government can deal with this crisis diplomatically.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
No accountability
It is really shocking and shameful that none of the Indian political parties, whether it is the Congress or the BJP, are bothered about the suffering of the common man (“Police injured during protests over Amritsar tragedy”, Gulf News, October 22). Besides tragedies like floods, drought and earthquakes, there are no steps to prevent the recurrence of accidents by airlines and transportation. However, these parties never fail to point fingers at each other to gain political mileage. At this rate we do not know where we are heading and what the fate of the common man in our country will be.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
India
Abuse of power
After the #MeToo campaign gained momentum in India, the latest scandal has been against junior minister M. J Akbar who has been accused of being a sexual predator (“The story behind MJ Akbar’s quitting: Modi kept mum, but his hand was forced”, Gulf News, October 22). However, it is a fact that not all violators are only in the film or media industry, they are anywhere. If the women are serious about the allegation and if they have been wronged, they should go to court. In Kerala, casting director Tess Joseph alleged that actor-turned-politician, Mukesh, had made sexual advances years back and how he should resign.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
The patriarchy needs to end
The #MeToo movement is not enough to end the patriarchal society present in India. The #MeToo wave has created quite an uproar in the world of Bollywood. It is picking up the pace, bringing the alleged actors, producers, directors, journalists and politicians under the public eye and they will be held accountable for their sexual misconduct. It has given courage to women to speak out against their abusers. But it has not been spurred by investigative journalism. It is difficult to say whether this new wave will lessen the barbaric misdeeds of men. India is a predominantly patriarchal society where both boys and men are usually more privileged and entitled, or behave so. They consider themselves superior, even at home, and family expectations from men and women are different. It is time the dated perception of gender changed. Gender equality that is only talked about should become a reality. Dismantling the social construct of patriarchy in the time of #Metoo, may bring a ray of hope and relief to women.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Empathy on roads
Insensitivity towards other drivers on the road is the leading cause of accidents, other than the drivers being distracted (“Rainfall: Fujairah showers, rain drenches Al Ain”, Gulf News, October 25). I have been driving in the UAE for a little over five years now and have seen that the driving habits of motorists have gone from bad to worse. There was a time when people respected women drivers, these days that courtesy is far from visible. Not only this, motorists are becoming increasingly reckless, self-centred, impatient and intolerant. It is astonishing that despite such strict traffic laws and fines, motorists get away with their poor driving. Unless we change our attitude and work towards becoming a more humble and empathetic society, we cannot be good drivers. We need to help others and put them first to be able to become better.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Only biased opinions
I have been reading your columns for the past 10 years and I have been very happy with the quality of news being published (“Rajnath Singh’s future: India’s next Prime Minister or banishment to the BJP’s old age home”, Gulf News, October 15). However, of late, you have started publishing articles written by journalist, Swati Chaturvedi. I see that there is so much of hatred being expressed in her articles, as she tries to show that the current situation in India is in a bad shape. This author always writes her personal views about one particular political party and their way of governance. The targeted political front has done many good things, which people are following. Why not pick them? I am deeply disappointed.
From Mr Pavan D. Rao
UAE
Good work Gulf News
Finally a journalist like Swati Chaturvedi in India, holding up the role of the Fourth Estate. The very reason the term came into existence was to signify the importance of journalism in raising a voice against tyranny and the abuse of power. But, most of Indian media has become a mute spectator in the drama that is governance in India right now. Cows are safer than the girl child in the world’s largest democracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more interested in sobbing at various functions rather than focusing on the problems plaguing the exchequer and the rising rate of unemployment. Someone has to hold up a mirror to that sham that is the BJP-led government in India. I am so glad that Gulf News is publishing her column. Kudos to the newspaper for standing up and being heard!
From Ms Aditi Abraham
Dubai
Getting rid of minorities
In India, religious extremism is at its peak. In the name of Hinduism, the BJP government is attempting to change India from a secular democracy to an extremist Hindu country (“Bye Allahabad, hello ‘Prayagraj’”, Gulf News, October 17). The latest example of this lies in the recent decision to change the name of the city, Allahabad, to Prayagraj. Next is Ahmedabad and Faizabad, and will this list go on? These names were given by the glorious dynasties that ruled India for hundreds of years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a heavy price for this blatant and shameless hatred against the minorities, especially the Muslims. Their future is now unsafe and uncertain in the hands of Modi and his companions. Shame to all those who support Modi and the BJP government in their decisions.
From Mr S. K. Irshad
UAE
Happiness is everywhere
Everyone is looking for happiness. It consists of contentment and joy. However, people running in search of happiness will never find it. They will never find happiness till they are content with that they have. We should embrace life as it comes and we should accept ourselves the way we are. These are simple words to say to people but this philosophy is difficult to implement. We need to try and develop this habit. Happiness is not something available in the market to buy. We have to find it inside our core.
Each person has been born with an ability to enjoy things and different things make people happy. People need to work to find what works for their lives. Expecting continuous stability in life is ridiculous; life is full of ups and downs. Success with failure is unavoidable. Instead of brooding over trivial issues, we should divert our attention elsewhere. We never think about the worst-case scenario when life is going smoothly, and we think we are above such experiences.
When we have enough resources to satisfy our needs, we are still running after things to satisfy our wants. The fulfilment of one want can possibly trigger another want, and this becomes a chain reaction. The result is such: We are never happy in life. Life is beautiful so we should see happiness in everything.
From Ms Shemeem Shafik
Sharjah
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