UAE is a rolemodel of governance
I have been visiting Dubai once or twice every year since 2016 (“Hired: Emirati man who was mocked on air”, Gulf News, April 9). I highly regard the efficiency of the police, doctors, event managers and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in the city. Obviously, the system in the UAE works so well, because of the dedication and sincerity of the people who are at the helm of affairs. However, the magnanimity of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, surpasses my imagination. It leaves me spellbound. It is natural to dislike one’s critics. But when a radio show host recently mocked Ali Mohammad Al Mazroui from Ras Al Khaimah, a 57-year old Emirati who was finding it difficult to manage with the cost of living, the host would not have thought in his wildest dreams that he would be suspended for his act. Things work differently in the UAE. Not only were the grievances of this ailing father of nine attended to, within a week, but he was appointed as a social researcher at the Ministry of Community Development to continue being a voice of the masses. Al Mazroui was also honoured as an invitee at the Cabinet meeting. He walked next to Shaikh Mohammad at the Presidential Palace for the meeting, during which a total of Dh11 billion was approved for social assistance. If the catchphrase, ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ proves true anywhere, it is here, in Dubai!
From Mr Amitabh Varma
India
Now Putin, then what?
The big question is, after Vladimir Putin, who will succeed and how will Russia transform (“US mulls Syria response after UN-Russia clash”, Gulf News, April 12)? It seems Russia is always fighting internally, with different ethnic groups, but has managed to survive. Putin has got enough power and has started rebuilding the country. Liberal democracy is built on the idea that power should be dispersed across systems, relationships and institutions. Now, all over the world, we can see the mass marketing of ideas through television and social media, and it is often imposed on the public. Russia is moving towards an authoritarian regime and democracy is at stake. Dictators are always the same, and we have seen what happened in Russia after 1917. History teaches us change is always inevitable and we have seen this in Cuba, the former Soviet Union and Germany.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Cricket: A dying game
Former Indian pacer S. Sreesanth made the statement that he has almost stopped watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches (“Billings and Watson help Chennai beat Kolkata in the Indian Premier League”, Gulf News, April 12). Right from the inception of the IPL, it seemed to many to be a fixed tournament, as no one, except the Rajasthan Royals team, kept winning the trophy. Later on, when Sreesanth was caught cheating, a lot of viewers totally lost interest, not only in IPL, but in One Day International cricket, too. The only interesting thing left for true cricket lovers of the past is Test cricket, which, unfortunately, is on its death bed.
From Mr N. Viswanathan
Indian
A good deed
Hats off to Good Samaritans like the dashing opener, Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, who has magnanimously donated a sum of Rs1.5 lakhs (Dh8,500) to the mother of Madhu, who was beaten to death in Kerala, India, for stealing food because he was hungry. To be frank, only people like Sehwag should be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, so that they could fruitfully utilise their role in the government and work for the welfare of the common man.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
India
Women shining in sport
Congratulations to Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who is in a league of her own (“Sidhu adds third gold to India’s shooting haul”, Gulf News, April 11). She shattered two records and added it to India’s Commonwealth Games (CWG) medal tally. In fact, it was a double delight when her compatriot, Heena Sidhu, bagged a silver medal in the 10m air pistol event. Congratulations to the women’s table tennis team as well — they also won a historic gold by defeating Singapore in the finals. All in all, it was a superb Sunday for Indian athletes in the CWG.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
India
Indian athletes on a roll
Congratulations to all the medal winners, especially the Indian badminton team members, who won their maiden gold medal in the Commonwealth Games. Our table tennis team also won a gold medal after a gap of 12 years (“Commonwealth Games: Indian badminton players on song for first team gold”, Gulf News, April 10).
From Mr Ayush Srikanth
India
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