Letters: January 12, 2011

Committee's decision will help
The five-member Justice Sri Krishna Committee Report has suggested a six-point solution for the formation of the new state of Telangana [in India] after a long wait ("Chidambaram calls for meeting", Gulf News, January 7). [However,] the regional parties like the Telangana Rashtra Samiti party, the Telugu Desam Party and the national Bharatiya Janata Party [are] also pressing for a separate state. Though the Indian Home Minister called for an all-party meeting on January 6, [to hold] a detailed discussion on the issue, the parties have boycotted the meeting, which is a big hurdle. [They] should be [more] relaxed in their opinions instead of only standing firmly on their demand for a separate state. [They should] consider the suggestions of Justice Sri Krishna Committee. I think the suggestions given by the committee may [help create a] concrete solution to the problem.
From Mr Ravinder Pulijal
Dubai

Take alternate route
Everyone knows that there is a huge rush on the roads during Friday prayers [which can cause] many difficulties ("Stuck during prayer time", Gulf News, January 8). [Depending on] the size of the mosque, the number of people [may be] more [than able to fit inside] and they [may] have no choice, but to pray on the roads or outside the mosque. Since everyone knows that [during] Friday prayers the road areas near the mosque will be blocked, I would suggest to all commuters [that they] take an alternate route until the problem [is] resolved.
From Mr Mohammad Esmail 
Sharjah

Pointless exercise
I agree that children below the age of 13 should not join Facebook, but I disagree with the fact that parents should keep an eye on their children while surfing the internet. Children of the age of 13 and above are mature enough to make their own decisions. If a child joins Facebook without the permission of parents, he or she can adopt many methods [to keep their] parents knowing [they] have joined. Even though parents keep an eye on their [children] they are [sometimes] unaware of [what they are doing]. I [think] that there is no point in keeping an eye on children.
From Ms Anika Tiku
Dubai

Pressures on
[This] is right ("Have your say: Children feeling pressured in school", Gulf News, January 8)! Children do have [a lot of] pressure [on them in regards to] their studies and grades and there is competition [between] classmates [to see] who will score more. [Sometimes] children are so psychologically disturbed that they don't feel like eating, talking or [spending] time with their families. I don't think it is [just] because of school. It might [also] be because in today's generation, children and teenagers are so passionate about [making their] name [known] in the society that they sometimes forget that we are not supposed to take life so seriously. Parents have to be there to make their [children] understand that they can [achieve their goals]. But nowadays, parents are [less] concerned about what their children are scoring [and more concerned with] comparing their child's marks to the children of their neighbours. This [causes] some children [to] work harder and some [to] give up. It's the [environment] around them, which [teaches] them that if they don't become something, then they don't have [the] right to live. This stress can be overcome if the appreciation factor in schools is there. All teachers should make children understand that they can [reach their goals]. Activities and exercises can also calm their minds and free them from all the stress they are going through. [Also,] if they have other talents [then schools need to] appreciate them. It will encourage them and their confidence levels will go up. Indirectly, they will also show more interest in their studies.
From Ms Fatima
Dubai
Web comment

New report cards
Public schools in Abu Dhabi [are] issuing new report cards [to students]. This card [allows] every student [to] check his or her academic record and performance at the end of each term. This is [a good] approach towards improving the education level, academic performance and skills of pupils. No doubt it is the best way to create competition among the students [as well]. Therefore, all parents should take [an] interest in [their] children's education, and check [this] new report card at the end of every term.
From Mr Jahangeer Khan
Abu Dhabi

Good move
I am very happy with the decision [to install bike stands in key locations] and look forward to it [being] implemented very soon ("Bike stands in key locations to reduce hazards", Gulf News, January 8). I always loved to ride bicycles. [They are] the only beneficial mode [of] transportation, which saves money as well as improves health conditions. [The] UAE is already [struggling] with an obesity problem and this could be very beneficial in [fighting it]. I am sure [the] majority of health and budget conscious residents, are welcoming this decision, despite the extreme weather condition in summer time. 
From Mr Aziz
Dubai
Web comment

New mode of transport
Cycling is [the] new mode of transport in [the] UAE. [It was] introduced after [the opening of the Dubai] Metro and ultra-modern public buses, to cover short distances. We are all happy [with] this decision [as] cycling is good for [our] health. [With] this mode of transport, people cannot only save precious time, which they [might] waste in traffic or seeking [a] parking space, [but] can save [on] fuel. [However,] cycling will be uncomfortable during [the UAE's] summer season. Therefore, [I] kindly request that the authorities plant tress along cycling tracks, so people can [ride] comfortably [all year round]
From Mr Jahangeer Khan
Abu Dhabi

Unsportsmanlike
The behaviour [that Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has] shown is cheap [and] not at all sportsmanlike ("Sreesanth's temper is his No 1 enemy", Gulf News, January 8). 

Talent is only one thing. It's best he changes or the Board of Control for Cricket in India should [rethink] having him on the team. India has got many better bowlers, which Sreesanth should know.
From Mr Hans 
South Africa
Web comment

Incorrect behaviour
Yeah! He is clever, he knows [his behaviour is] not correct, but still [he] purposely shows the same [attitude] to get attention from [the] media [and] the public. No doubt he is a good bowler, [but he] better concentrate on the game.
From Mr Royce
Kuwait

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