Drought ended
I could not believe my eyes when I read about Abhinav Bindra winning a gold medal at the world's most prestigious sporting event: the Olympics ("Magic moment for India in Beijing", Gulf News, August 11). I read Gulf News's report again and called up my husband out of sheer excitement to inform him of the glorious feat by a fellow Indian. At last, the Olympic gold medal drought has come to an end and India has something to be proud of. I sincerely hope that our cricket-crazy nation will now realise that there are other sports that equally deserve to be promoted. It is about time the authorities comprehend this truth, take appropriate steps and thereby pave the way for other potential gold medallists.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
Beating the odds
Heartiest congratulations to shooter Abhinav Bindra on winning India's first individual Olympic gold medal in 108 years.
However, in this hour of glory, let us not forget a very important fact: Bindra has won despite the apathy of sports administrators. As he comes from an affluent family, he was able to afford training abroad. However, most other shooters, including 2004 Summer Olympics silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, had to make a public appeal to the Indian government to make the ammunition available to them for training.
From Mr Amitabh Saxena
Dubai
Slow down
At 6am every morning, I travel on Shaikh Rashid Road towards Jebel Ali. During my journey, I never fail to see mini-buses, large trucks and even big buses on the fast lane. There is nobody to monitor and stop them and they are free to travel at extraordinarily high speeds.
The drivers are aware of exactly where the radars are located and often brake abruptly when they approach the cameras. This is a highly dangerous situation. Mini-buses, pickup trucks and big buses should be banned from using the fast lanes.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabii
Name withheld by request
Inconvenienced
When searching for parking in a congested parking lot at a mall, I followed two gentlemen as they approached their car. I decided to wait while they got in, so I could take their parking space. However, several cars soon queued up behind me. Meanwhile, one of the two men sat in the driving seat while the other carefully placed shopping bags in the rear seat. He then started rummaging through the bags to grab two soft drink cans and later took his seat. They then opened the cans and took a few sips before finally driving off. I wonder if some people actually enjoy inconveniencing others.
From Mr Nasar Usmani
Dubai
Caught on camera
Radars should be placed before traffic signals, limiting the speed of vehicles to 20km/hr. Once the signal turns yellow, the cameras could flash to draw the attention of drivers and then click if vehicles exceed the speed limit. This is the only way to stop drivers from jumping the red light.
From Mr Bruno Britto
Dubai
Herculean task
I have been teaching for 14 years and earn less than Dh4,000 a month. Fed up of my meagre salary, I started applying for other jobs, and found it to be a Herculean task. Teaching is a noble profession but what is the price of dignity? Teachers dedicate the best years of their life to the profession, but often end up earning a pittance. If a person can mould the lives of thousands of young children, he or she can surely take any organisation to great heights. I hope I am able to find my dream job some day.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Dress code
I urge the authorities to highlight the importance of starting a dress code campaign for tourists and expatriates living in Dubai, especially during Ramadan. A campaign with a slogan could encourage residents to dress modestly with skirt hemlines reaching the knees, non-revealing tops and blouses preferably with sleeves extending to the elbows. Additionally, during Ramadan, visitors and expatriates living in Dubai need to know that drinking, chewing gum, eating and smoking is not allowed during daytime and they must be encouraged to respect the rules and regulations of the country.
From Ms Maitha
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Still in them
This is in response to a reader letter to Gulf News wherein the writer complains about the fact that certain taxi drivers get really personal, instead of just driving to the required destinations. Since when did friendliness become offensive? I think it is lovely and admirable that, despite the long and stressful hours, drivers still find it in them to be interested in their customers. Not all personal questions or interest should be interpreted as a solicitation.
From Mr J. McDonald
Dubai
Nobody calls
I have been a victim of bad service provided by a reputed driving institute. I registered for my classes in December 2007. It's now been over seven months and my classes have yet to start. I have called the office several times, with the same response - they either don't pick up the phone or give false promises of "getting back with information". I just don't know what to do!
From Mr Tushar Chopra
Dubai
