Lessons for mankind
I thank Gulf News for the elaborate package on the Palestine tragedy that occurred 60 years ago ("Palestinians mark 60th anniversary of Al Nakba", Gulf News, May 15).
It gave an insight into facts that most people of the present generation might be unaware of. The suffering of the Palestinians is a lesson for all mankind.
Whenever, I'm in pain or going through a difficult phase, I think of all these people and instantly realise how insignificant my troubles are.
I remind my children not to waste food or be fussy eaters, they know some children cannot even afford one meal, a day. I salute the tolerance and optimism of all innocent Palestinians.
They never give up. People like us who live a "normal" life, always complain about issues like parking shortage, inflation and high rents.
At least we have an identity and a house to live in.
From Ms Shemeem K.
Dubai
Talk to children
I was shocked when I read an article in Gulf News that reported a father being jailed because his daughter failed an exam ("Jailed dad's freedom tied to test in Ohio," Gulf News, May 18).
As a life coach I am a big critic of a schooling system wherein everybody is obliged to perform, without caring for an individual's aspiration and vision.
The young Brittany passed four parts and failed in mathematics.
Maybe she doesn't like the subject? What is more important is that we sit down with our children and see what they value the most and work accordingly.
From Mr Camil Al Khoury
Dubai
Caring taxi driver
Hats off to Dubai taxi drivers. I once had to leave Dubai in considerable pain after a back surgery.
The taxi driver who picked me to go to the airport drove very carefully and was really considerate and nice.
While getting off, I gave him Dh100 extra, but he refused to take it, stating, "that it wasn't due". I will always remember him for his generosity.
From Mr Kannan Chakravarthi
Karnataka, India
Honesty pays
Of late, one gets to read so many reports of drivers returning valuables left in their taxis. This is a matter of pride not just for them but also for the entire nation.
They could have easily kept the goods, but they chose honesty over everything else.
In today's world where many take shortcuts to becoming rich, the taxi drivers have proven that there is much more to life than money.
From Mr Charles Joseph
Abu Dhabi
A second chance
Courts should hold parents partially responsible for juvenile misdemeanour ("In depth: Victims of law", Gulf News, May 16).
Sentencing a juvenile to time in jail deprives him or her of an opportunity to achieve something and be someone in life.
It's important to educate such children to be responsible. Making them do community service is a better option.
Everyone deserves a second chance. After all, they are just children.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Retire gracefully
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is going from strength to strength. I expected the hysteria to go down after a few cricket matches, but was so wrong.
The matches are getting more exciting, with an electrifying atmosphere and good cricket.
With the second phase of the tournament in place, it is quite easy to predict which four teams would qualify in the semi-finals.
However, I wish certain senior cricketers weren't as selfish as they are. They should retire or else the superstardom they have achieved would soon be forgotten.
From Mr Saulin Vinit Pratap
Dubai
Improve frequency
Why cannot the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) provide bus transport facility every five minutes that connects important places?
Improving frequency would encourage more people to use the system.
From Mr Carl Mascarenhas
Dubai
No admissions
A friend of mine has been trying to admit her son to a British curriculum school. Since the child's grades are slightly below average, all 15 or more schools have either directly declared "admissions closed" or rejected his admission.
Where will such children go if no reputable schools are willing to grant them admission?
From Ms Tasmeea K.
Sharjah
No new home
It's been more than a decade since my family and I first moved to the UAE, to settle down in the Capital.
However, it was only recently that I discovered how much everything has changed, especially in terms of finding an accommodation.
Our apartment in the current residential building is soon going to be demolished. As a result we are on the look out for a new place to live.
The rents are so expensive that maybe I will be forced to say goodbye to my family and send them back home. I cannot afford to keep them here.
The authorities should consider this issue and take some serious steps to overcome the burden of high rents faced by most residents.
From Mr Ebrahim Nishad
Abu Dhabi
Simple steps for safety
It is disturbing to see road accident related casualties. However, enforcing speed limits and following basic safety tips can prevent these.
Always being alert and attentive helps, just as not using mobile phones while driving and wearing a seatbelt or helmet. The life you save could be your own.
If motorists learn to obey traffic rules, signals and signs, they would have plenty of time to get to their destinations and wouldn't have to speed.
I urge all motorists to take care of other road users as well. Pedestrians can help by wearing light-coloured clothing at night.
Most importantly, no one should drive if they are inebriated or drowsy.
From Ms Sushama Tiwari
Dubai
Provisions required
I write this letter to Gulf News hoping that the authorities concerned would take necessary steps. My family and I went to a popular cinema, recently.
My 11-year-old daughter, who is physically challenged, was also with us. She uses a stroller as she faces difficulty in walking.
I was shocked and quite disappointed that the cinema house had no provisions such as ramps and lifts. I asked the manager why there were no facilities.
The only reply I received was that it was in the pipeline. The cinema is 10 years old. They should have had such provisions by now.
There should be a law passed by the authorities to make all buildings and malls easily accessible for the physically challenged.
All new construction happening in Dubai and around the emirates needs to cater to the requirements of people with special needs.
From Mr Gulshan Kavarana
Dubai
Risk free
A short while ago, I was waiting at a bus stop. I saw a school bus so full that some students were standing right next to the driver's seat. It was a shocking sight.
I urge all involved to take up this issue for the safety of the school children.
It is impossible to think how worried the parents of school going children must be to send their children to schools under these conditions.
All children must have a risk free environment.
From Mr Peer Ansar
Sharjah
