Not all heroes wear capes

Not all heroes wear capes

These people are heroes in the true sense of the word, for the kind of support and contribution they provide to society (“Watch: Shaikh Hamdan says ‘thank you’ to window cleaner”, Gulf News, December 21). They deserve every bit of praise for beautifully performing such a risky job. It takes a humble leader like Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to appreciate and honour these workers.

From Ms Fatima Suhail

Sharjah

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Jerusalem is for everyone

The comment was meaningful and thought-provoking (“Let Jerusalem belong to all humanity”, Gulf News, December 20). Over the decades, there has been conflict in Jerusalem and it still continues; it’s sad. Jerusalem is a holy place and should be for all of humanity. Peace is needed in this hour.

From Mr K. Ragavan

India

A massage menace

I have observed that in the past few months, the menace of massage cards on cars has picked up again. Gradually, the number of cards being placed on the windshields is increasing, especially in some areas that I visit regularly, like Al Nahda and Hor Al Anz in Dubai, and Sharjah. I find these cards to be a serious problem, not only because they are causing litter to accumulate around the place, but there are obscene and vulgar pictures on them, which are poisoning the minds of our children. This problem needs to be tackled again. I would suggest that the authorities have an app or a helpline number so that residents can complain directly to the authorities to bring the culprits to task, and so that this problem is eradicated from our community.

From Ms Fauzia Khan

UAE

Education for all

The brave schoolboy from Bihar, India, who saved the lives of hundreds of passengers by halting a speeding train, said all he wants as a reward, is an education (“An education - the only reward that Bhim wants”, Gulf News, December 21). It’s such a telling comment, that reveals the boy’s maturity and priorities. India is home to over 30 per cent of the world’s 385 million children living in extreme poverty, the highest in south Asia, according to a 2016 report by World Bank Group and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). The Indian government must do more for its children, and give them this most basic of rights - education - so that they have a chance at a promising future.

From Mr Amit Sankar

Dubai

Just a hug

It is really shocking to know that in Kerala, India, school authorities have taken punitive action of dismissing a boy and removing a girl from the school register for the simple reason that they shared a hug (“Indian schoolboy suspended for ‘long hug’ with female classmate”, Gulf News, December 21). It all depends on the cultural context - a hug can be friendly or romantic.

It is all the more surprising when some school authorities overlook the corrupt practices of its teachers, and brush them under the carpet, but waste no time in spoiling the career of students. Instead, I feel the school should have conducted counselling classes and guided the students. I would expect school authorities to act with some wisdom and not make hasty decisions or give out harsh punishment.

I’m glad to know that the court has stayed the school’s actions for the present. I hope the school authorities realise their follies and reinstate the students so that they can pursue their education.

From Ms Janaki Mahadevan

Chennai, India

A timeless production

We have watched the epic movie, Titanic, infinite times (“‘Titanic’ 20 years on: That sinking feeling”, Gulf News, December 18). Each time we watch it, we are still keen on watching it again and again. It covers all aspects of life and showcases the rich and the poor, their difference in status and how it is still persisting today. The class differences clearly act as an eye-opener for all viewers. The concept of hard work and the staff’s dedication to serve the people in a time of crisis is commendable. The musicians were so focused and determined to continue playing and keeping up people’s spirits, even until their last breath. The movie, as a whole, has lots of hidden stories, which are inspiring even today. It is an epic for all generations to come. I get a sense of satisfaction at the end of watching the movie, which is exactly why I love watching it.

From Ms Rajeswari Nandeeswar

UAE

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Unforgettable experience

I have watched Titanic so many times, I have lost count. I think it is a classic movie, which you can watch over and over again. The romance and drama portrayed in the film, along with the amazing cinematography and brilliant performance by actors Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, simply touches one’s heart! It’s an unforgettable saga.

From Ms Ranya Khan

Dubai

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