Ramesh Menon's Clicks and Writes

Dear Readers,

Due to time constraints, I have streamlined all my blogs to one common point.

Kindly therefore bookmark and visit,

http://www.clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/

Regards,

Ramesh Menon

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 15.07.2010 - Green Diet

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 15.07.2010 - Green Diet

Short Take - GULF TODAY Dt. 10.07.2010 - Role reversal

Short Take - GULF TODAY Dt. 10.07.2010 - Role reversal

Community Report - GULF NEWS Dt. 09.07.2010 - Spilt fuel can have dire consequences

Community Report - GULF NEWS Dt. 09.07.2010 - Spilt fuel can have dire consequences

Community Report - GULF NEWS Dt. 09.07.2010 - Spilt fuel can have dire consequences

Unsafe practices at busy filling stations alarm reader

En route to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, when using the Saadiyat Island road, motorists have limited options to fill up their vehicles' petrol tanks once they leave the city.

Either they have to drive to Shahama — which is 40 kilometres away — or get to the major petrol station near Samha, which is 56 kilometres away from the city.

The rush of motorists in the afternoon is on the higher side, as there are many daily commuters who reside in Dubai and work in Abu Dhabi. This makes refuelling an issue, as there is a long queue at both these petrol stations during the afternoon and later on in the day.

On my frequent trips to Dubai, during different times, I have observed some significant safety-related issues and other matters that pose an inconvenience to the public. I wish to highlight them here.

Firstly, there is no petrol station on this stretch of road for about 40 kilometres — and any motorists leaving the city without enough fuel are bound to get stuck. Incidentally, there is no petrol station in the Mina area, too, which has significant heavy vehicle traffic and thus a petrol station at the exit of Mina or somewhere in the Mina area next to vegetable market or the animal market would be welcomed by all motorists who use this road.

Heavy rush

Secondly, I have noticed several times that due to the heavy rush, motorists often go to the wrong side of the petrol-filling units. The attending staff then have to stretch the hose to fill the tank.

The drivers mostly sit inside their vehicles while the petrol station attendants connect the hose and then rush to the next vehicle. The weather is extremely hot and due to the pressure, fuel is often spilled all over the place until someone points it out and asks the attendant to stop and reconnect the hose.

This is an extremely dangerous situation as the engines of vehicles are usually running and a mere spark from any possible source could definitely lead to a major disaster.

Witnessing one such occasion, I made an effort to talk to the station supervisor of a major petrol station near Samha on the way to Dubai and was told that the arrangements of filling on the wrong side, using extended hoses, has been initiated to reduce the rush.

Also, I did not find an effort to neutralise the fuel spilt using sand or any other precautionary safety measures. Only half a bucket of water was poured and the attendants were of the opinion that in the heat, it would evaporate quickly.

Using Gulf News' community report platform, I request the authorities to set up a petrol station in Mina area for the benefit of motorists and to also provide their staff with the necessary safety training. Safety equipment must be installed and made available at these units, too.

People should be given instructions not to leave their cars unattended if they are being filled at the wrong side of the petrol pump. Drivers also have a major role in ensuring safety as they have to keep an eye on the process and if there is any problem, should alert the staff immediately.

Safety is the responsibility of every individual. Let us not act after an incident has occurred — let us try and prevent it.

— The reader is a technical officer, based in Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS Online.

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 07.07.2010 - Speeding saves a minute, costs a life

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 07.07.2010 - Speeding saves a minute, costs a life



To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 05.07.2010 - Renewed vigilance on road safety

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 05.07.2010 - Renewed vigilance on road safety

Short Take - GULF TODAY Dt. 03.07.2010 - Age Of The Web

Short Take - GULF TODAY Dt. 03.07.2010 - Age Of The Web

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 02.07.2010 - Lack of pumps on Saadiyat Island

My Letters - THE NATIONAL Dt. 02.07.2010 - Lack of pumps on Saadiyat Island



Using the new Saadiyat Island road, motorists are left with the limited option to fill their cars with petrol once they leave the city.

The rush of motorists in the afternoon is on the high side as there are many daily commuters who reside in Dubai and work in Abu Dhabi. This makes refuelling an issue as there is a long queue at petrol stations in both emirates.


This is a major inconvenience as there is no petrol filling station on this stretch for about 40km and any motorists leaving the city with short of fuel has no options to refill. In addition, two of the major petrol pumps in the city are under renovation, making it all the more difficult.

Thus, a petrol station at the exit of Mina towards Dubai or somewhere on the new road after the exit from Abu Dhabi city will be welcome by all the motorists.


I humbly request the authorities to initiate necessary measures to ease the refuelling difficulties of motorists.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 01.07.2010 - Dangerous Vehicles in Dubai

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 01.07.2010 - Dangerous Vehicles in Dubai

About Me

About Me

Trying my best to create a family of Positive and Quality minded people. Bringing Creativity in to life and Never give up are the two wheels of my life cycle (it has been revolving and evolving a lot and it will continue too). You may visit my related blogs to watch my small steps towards the above cause.

I believe that all great achievements and success in life, and all changes for the better, have one powerful characteristic in common: The First Step. Take the first step, and the journey has a way of taking care of itself.” This is the motto behind my Team 1 blogs and associated groups intended to promote TQM and Positive Thinking values.

Achievements:

 I am an active participant in various HAVE YOUR SAY Programmes happening within UAE and around. This has resulted in winning a few prestigious achievements over the last few years like:

• Distinguished Contributor for Dubai Municipalities Have Your Say Programmes in 2006

• 2nd amongst the Top 10 Contributors for Dubai Municipalities Have Your Say Programmes in 2007.

• Winner – Malayala Manorama Jeevajalam Photography Competition 2009

• Hit 96.7 FM Hit Hero of the Month of June 2009

Please find below a random listing of my creative suggestions which have been accepted/ implemented partially or fully or under discussion by the UAE authorities:


With Dubai RTA/Dubai Municipality

 - Introduce speed breakers on public transport vehicles

- Introduce road safety kit in new vehicles

- Introduce Speed Awareness Campaign- by way of training, leaflets etc , on going.

- Initiation of safety training for 15 seater drivers

- Display of contact numbers on 15 seater vans and heavy vehicles

- Digital ID card for school children to monitor arrival and return to school from home using various transport options.


With Abu Dhabi Authorities:

- Abu Dhabi Mall pedestrian signals - Adjust the Pedestrian crossing signal timing in front of Abu Dhabi Mall as it is dangerous for public

- Hygiene hazards - Public trash bins in Hamdan street - create health hazards.

- Close the broken barriers on the prominent street before you fine - accepted by Abu Dhabi Police and the authorities have instructed Municipality to close these broken barriers before they fine the public.

- Introduce a system of giving compulsory training for those who do minor traffic offenses and those who accumulate black points - suggestion partially carried out in Dubai, under study in Abu Dhabi.

- Banning of Heavy vehicles, especially trucks from Salam Street during day time and use alternate road of Sadiyat Island to get in and out of Abu Dhabi town.

- Introduction of Bus Route No. 6 to benefit ISCC Abu Dhabi members and Mina Bird Market users.

- Automatic and moveable LCD Road signs on Abu Dhabi – Dubai high way to give warnings during bad weather conditions and other emergencies.

- Increase the frequency of buses to Ruwais and Al Ain during public holidays and rush hours.

- Introduce Free Wifi spots in all major clubs including ISCC Abu Dhabi

Ongoing:

- Bring back the Volcano Fountain - - most historic monument of Abu Dhabi - got demolished during the recent developments and did not find a place. Suggestion to bring it back and persistent follow up to bring it back in a prominent location on the corniche of Abu Dhabi or its new development has resulted in the formation of a committee to finalise their decision.

- Introduce QUEUE system in bus and taxi stops - ongoing vigorously with all major authorities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

- Ban Smoking Corners from front of shoping malls and public places

- Introduce a U-Turn and Signal at Mina Bird Market area to resolve traffic safety issues.

- Bus stop on Electra street requires complete renovation - city image - refer his report in Gulf news.

- Introduction of a special stop for Bus Routes No. 11 and 12 in front of ISCC Abu Dhabi to benefit members and Mina Bird Market users.

- Introduce warning notice at pubs about dangers of drunken driving

- Suggestions to the Ministry of Labour in conjunction with Ministry of Information and Police to utilise the extended summer break to create a Safety and Health Awareness Campaign benefiting the numerous work force who avail this free time.

- Lady drivers for school buses transporting girl students

- Formation of a mandatory committee at schools comprising of Management, Teachers, and parents to monitor and control bullying by students and teachers and also to initiate regular steps for academic improvement.

- Consider special concession to schools, for daily operating items, such as, Telephone, Electricity, Water, followed by discounts on school bus registration fees, staff immigration and naturalisation costs etc.

- Banning of three wheeled electronic cycles from the streets of Abu Dhabi as it creates danger to the rider as well as fellow road users.

- Request for a petrol station at the exit of Mina towards Dubai or somewhere on the new road after the exit from Abu Dhabi city to ease the refuelling difficulties of motorists.

- Call for added participation of organisations, various regional associations and Embassies through public awareness campaigns.

- Call for voluntary participation by Television and Radio media to reach safety related announcements and warnings to reach more public.

- Request to Education Ministry and School authorities should make it a point to create Health, Safety and Environment as a regular topic in the curriculum of children.

- Request to the Department of Transportation and Police authorities to install speed restriction signs and measures on the road towards Mafraq Hospital and also insist Mafraq Hospital authorities to have a circular to their staff educating them not to speed while coming for work, even if they are late.

- Request for modification to the high-tech waste disposal system newly installed in Abu Dhabi city to accommodate easy disposal keeping hygeine issues.


Interests:

 Writing, Driving, Computer graphics, Photography, Painting, Playing Tabala and other percussion instruments, Swimming, Playing & Coaching Cricket and Football, Cooking, Promoting Arts, Culture & Tradition, Positive Thinking and Total Quality Management.

Favorite Movies

A movie which I dream to create.... Working on it. One day very soon.


Favorite Music
I love music and I like diversity. So from hard rock to classical Indian carnatic and classical western I find it interesting. As a self learner I listen to music and learn the beats of the instruments while I find solace in it.

Favorite Books

I love to read and reads whatever comes on my way. However, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carneige is precious. I also read Lalita Sahasra Namam book (with meanings) and Sai Sat Charita daily.

Writing Interest:

My interest in Community Journalism urge me to pick up various subjects with interest and my photography and drawing interest complements it with the right photos to give those reports life, meaning resulting it to reach the public with added value. This has also resulted in achieving a more than 60 % of my suggestions to the various Have Your Say programmes to be listened and acted upon in favour by the authorities concerned.

With the above interest, I regularly write and present photographs of interest in letters section and other columns of relevance in the major newspapers like The National, The Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Gulf Today, Malayala Manorama etc and even have an exclusive page dedicated for NRIs at www.irinjalakudalive.com a website of my home town.


I promote:

Team 1 Talent Share Fan page and Passionate Photographers group.

Team 1 Talent Share blog and fan page is dedicated to promote non-performing and performing art forms amongst children and adults. A Talent or Knowledge within you is to be shared is the motto of it.

Passionate Photographers group on Face book is created and dedicated to promote those who are passionate in photography to click and exhibit more. Every photo clicked is a history. You will never be able to re-create that precious moment. I consider photography as the best tool to promote positive thinking values because you never click an object with a negative output in mind. You are free to upload photos as you passionately take them in your daily life.

My blogs and groups are mentioned at the end of this profile.

My contacts:

E-mail: team1dubai@gmail.com
Phone: 00 971 50 443 83 06

Updated: 07.07.2010

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 27.06.2010 - Congratulations

My Letters - GULF NEWS Dt. 27.06.2010 - Congratulations

Short Take - GULF TODAY - 26.06.2010 - Safe Approach

Short Take - GULF TODAY - 26.06.2010 - Safe Approach

My Letters - The National - Dt. 25.06.2010 - The need for Safety Equipment

My Letters - The National - Dt. 25.06.2010 - The need for Safety Equipment

My Letters - The National - Dt. 22.06.2010 - Let schools teach responsibility

My Letters - The National - Dt. 22.06.2010 - Let schools teach responsibility

My Letteres - Khaleej Times Dt. 18.06.2010 - Excellent sports coverage

My Letteres - Khaleej Times Dt. 18.06.2010 - Excellent sports coverage

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 19.06.2010 - A lesson for schools

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 19.06.2010 - A lesson for schools

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 19.06.2010 - A lesson for schools

To read my weekly write up for Gulf Today, please click on Short Take

To read it in original, please visit Short Take section of Gulf Today.

My Letters - THE National - Dt. 15.06.2010 - More efforts to prevent fires

My Letters - THE National - Dt. 15.06.2010 - More efforts to prevent fires

Photo Speaks - GULF NEWS - Dt. 13.06.2010 - Fire breaks out in Abu Dhabi building

Photo Speaks - GULF NEWS - Dt. 13.06.2010 - Fire breaks out in Abu Dhabi building

13 June 2010 - 3rd year of Team 1 blogs

13 June 2010 - 3rd year of Team 1 blogs

Dear Friends,

It is with immense pleasure and gratitude, I am writing this note.

Tomorrow, 13th June 2010, will mark three years of my blogging. What started as a small email group named Team1Dubai to interact with and motivate a group of students of IGNOU Dubai, is now branched into different vistas of communications.

On 13th June 2007, as per a suggestion by a friend, Mr. Mohan Iyer from Australia, I started my first blog www.team1dubai.blogspot.com. The interest it generated and the reach encouraged me to branch out my interests and activities into the following blogs and interactive medias:

13-Jun-07 Team 1 Dubai http://www.team1dubai.blogspot.com/
25-Nov-08 Indian Bloggers Nest http://www.indianbloggersnest.blogspot.com/

14-Aug-08 Athaani http://athaani.blogspot.com/
06-Oct-08 Talent Share http://talentshare.blogspot.com/
03-Dec-08 Team 1 UAE http://www.team1uae.blogspot.com/
01-Apr-09 CBSE Plus http://www.cbseplus.blogspot.com/
30-Sep-09 Team 1 Passionate Photographers http://team1passionatephotographers.blogspot.com/

And then Team 1 Talent Share Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/Team1Talentshare
Passionate Photographers group : http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=108518287970

Each one has it’s own significance and purpose and I have always tried to mark its relevance whenever there is an opportunity or need.

The encouragement and support received from all of you are highly significant and I do not want to miss out on THANKING any one who took their time out to visit and read what I posted.

This has also resulted in focussing seriously on Community reporting benefiting on several progressive measures for the welfare of the community.

With a combined readers count approximately numbering till date to 251,000 hits and with Face Book hits, it is continuing to grow slowly and steadily.

Photography, music, education, communication, HSE, Social Service. Interest and involvements are multitude in nature and each of them are kept active periodically as time and opportunity permits . However, in the recent times, I have kept my focus mainly on http://www.team1uae.blogspot.com/ and http://www.talentshare.blogspot.com/ and you are invited to continue your visits there and keep showing your interest as well as invite your friends who you feel will benefit a point or two from my postings.

God bless you all to have a great journey ahead.

Ramesh Menon
12.06.2010

Short Take - Gulf Today - 12.06.2010 - Careless actions

Short Take - Gulf Today - 12.06.2010 - Careless actions



To read my weekly write up for Gulf Today, please click on Short Take

Become a Fan of Team 1 Talent Share and show it on your profile

Become a Fan of Team 1 Talent Share and show it on your profile

Team1Talentshare

Promote your Page too

My Letters - Gulf News Dt. 10062010 - Unauthorised food outlets

My Letters - Gulf News Dt. 10062010 - Unauthorised food outlets




To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor

A note:

Incidentally, this is my 201st published material in print media, after I started seriously keeping a track of them and blogging them each time they get published. As you may notice, each of them is a dedicated effort to highlight a good deed done by an individual or group, or a problem that may affect the society in general. A parallel effort to highlight them directly with the authorities is also being made and these letters give substantial support to those efforts.

Every time I blog it or publish it, questions are raised, how do you get time. It is by practise of observing things more closely, keeping a small note and pen with me and then allotting few minutes here and there dedicated to each one of those tasks. It’s an effort done with passion and hence the result.

Sincere regards and enjoy reading.

Ramesh Menon
10.06.2010

Little World - a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays

Little World - a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays



Little World - a nice programme by Amrita TV on Sundays

I was really touched by the episode that was shown on Sunday, 6th June 2010. Sincere thanks for presenting a beautiful message of compassion and love for those children of Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Trivandrum. I am sure, many who watched this programme will have the same feeling.

To say "Help Them" is very easy. But to be with them and help assist them to ease the pain, agony and emotions of them as well as their families is very important. So, if any of you get an opportunity to be with them and bring a happy smile on their face, please do utilise it.

Sincere pranams,

Ramesh Menon

My Letters - Gulf News Dt. 24 May 2010 - Write it right, education body alerts Filipinos

My Letters - Gulf News Dt. 24 May 2010 - Write it right, education body alerts Filipinos

Write it right, education body alerts Filipinos

Filipino students told to use proper English even when sending text messages or using social networking sites

By Gilbert P. Felongco, Correspondent Published: 00:00 May 24, 2010

Manila: In a bid to compel young Filipinos to toe the line on correct language and communicate effectively, the education department has ordered teachers to force students to use proper grammar when writing or keying in their messages.

Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the use of mobile phone text messages in daily communication, to a certain extent had been detrimental to Filipinos because text message users were forced to sacrifice message clarity for the sake of keeping up with pop culture.

Owing to the limited lines of text mobiles are capable of handling, some Filipino text message users tend to shorten their messages.

While limiting the amount of text is understandable for short messaging services, such a practice was being used more widely in non-formal avenues such as on social networking sites as Facebook, Multiply and Friendster, among others.

"I understand that shortcut texting helps save on cost of SMS," Valisno said.

"Short messaging service is intended for delivering concise messages and not full conversation.

"This means you can properly compose a 160- character message in full spelling to get your message across."

Another major issue that the education department was trying to address is the increasing number of young Filipinos who tended to veer away from conventional English and Filipino grammar and use typefaces that ordinary people found difficult to read, let alone understand.

But Valisno said Filipinos should stop the practice if they want to remain competitive.

My comments as follows:

This is an excellent move by the education department of Philippines. In reality, it should be followed by all. The Short Message Syndrome (SMS) is cancerous in tempting children to deviate from communicating in full and confine to a world of limited expressions. It is not easy to move away now from the world of Twitters and Facebooks, and however, authorities try to restrict, children and even will find it attractive some way or other suiting their intellectual or other worldly tastes. It is therefore, good to initiate measures to start conversing in full even within the limitation of word count restrictions. Train them young and well for future. Otherwise, it will be another catastrophe that we all will have to look up on in the future - a global tapering of language.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS ONLINE.

My Letters - Khaleejt Times - Thank You

My Letters - Khaleejt Times - Thank You

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 05.06.2010 Special Compassion

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 05.06.2010 Special Compassion


To read Short Take exclusively written for Gulf Today, please click here.

My Letters - Khaleej Times - 02.06.2010 - Banking woes

My Letters - Khaleej Times - 02.06.2010 - Banking woes

My comments : The National - Dt. 02.06.2010 - Breakdown causes traffic gridlock

My comments : The National - Dt. 02.06.2010 - Breakdown causes traffic gridlock

An opportunity to participate and showcase your photography skills.

Dear Friends,

An opportunity to participate and showcase your photography skills.

A group of photographers under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Photographers club group on Face Book is conducting an activity workshop on the morning of Friday, 4th June 2010. The first week’s theme is to capture the Sunrise at Zayed Al Adeel, a scenic spot at Abu Dhabi Corniche.

In order to motivate them and exhibit their clicks, and also utilize this theme as an option to regroup ourselves, I invite you to click the Sunrise, you see on the same day, wherever you are and present them at Passionate Photographers.

Date: 04 June 2010
Time to click: Between 05:00 am and 07:00 am
Theme: Sunrise

Sincerely looking forward to your photo presentations, with location details and time you clicked at Passionate Photographers group before 08 June 2010:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108518287970

I request my friends from other Photography groups to circulate this email to members of various group for participation with interest.

Best photos from those submitted will be presented at various media and publications with prominence and credits highlighting your skills.

Ramesh Menon
01 June 2010

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 29.05.2010 - Life's challenges

Short Take - GULF TODAY - Dt. 29.05.2010 - Life's challenges

My Letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 28.0.50.2010 - Pray for the departed

My Letters - GULF NEWS - Dt. 28.0.50.2010 - Pray for the departed

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 26.05.2010 - Fine reporting on tragic event

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt. 26.05.2010 - Fine reporting on tragic event

To read my letters to the news, please bookmark and visit Letters to the Editor

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt 23.05.2010 - Air India confirms 158 dead in crash

My Letters - THE NATIONAL - Dt 23.05.2010 - Air India confirms 158 dead in crash

Air India confirms 158 dead in crash
Praveen Menon and Leah Oatway

Last Updated: May 22. 2010 11:30PM UAE / May 22. 2010 7:30PM GMT
Civilians look on as Indian firefighters and rescue personnel gather around the site of an Air India plane that crashed in Mangalore, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Saturday, May 22, 2010. AP Photo
An Air India Express passenger plane from Dubai crashed outside the Mangalore airport in southern India today, killing 158 people when it burst into flames after overshooting a table-top runway and plunging into forest below.

There were only eight survivors after the Boeing 737-800 appeared to have skidded off the runway in rain in Karnataka state, Air India director Anup Srivastava said.

It is believed 146 bodies had been recovered.

“We had no hope to survive, but we survived,” Pradeep, a survivor who is an Indian technician working in Dubai, told local television.

“The plane broke into two and we jumped off the plane. As soon as the plane landed, within seconds this happened.”

Investigators in India say the preliminary findings show the aircraft touched down about 2,000 feet (610 metres) too late on the 8,000-foot runway. But experts said that type of aircraft still had plenty of room to stop safely.

The national carrier of India had 163 passengers, seven crew members and four infants. As many as 19 of the passengers were children.

The flight took off from Dubai Airport Terminal 2 at around 1am this morning and was expected to land at the newly constructed Mangalore Airport.

The entire Kenjar village has turned into a crash site as rescue operators search through the wreckage for possible survivors.

The black box has been recovered from the flight.

“The black box of the aircraft has been recovered and the mandatory court of inquiry ordered by the Director General of Civil Aviation,” WAM news agency reported from India.

The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed that they have been flooded with calls since morning as many Indians living in the UAE were on the flight.

According to Mr Pathak, the airline has been contacted by many passengers' relatives in Dubai and is considering chartering a flight to Mangalore for relatives.

A hotline number has been set up at Terminal 2 airport and another city control room will soon be functional at the Air India office in Dubai.

Delhi: 011-25656196, 25603101
Mangalore: 0824-2220422, 2010167
Dubai: 00971-4-2165828, 00971-4-2165829

Air India Express operates flights out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah International Airports.

Flight IX 812 operates seven days a week from Dubai International Airport Terminal II to Mangalore Airport at 115 am with a flight duration of 3 hours, 45 minutes. The fare for a flight next Friday May 28 on the Boeing 737-800 is dh750.

The company also operates five flights per week from Abu Dhabi to Mangalore

My comments as follows:

I join amongst many expatriate passengers who has no other alternate option other than to use limited operational facilities of Air India Express to travel to various smaller airports in India. The fear associated always with flying in it, especially during the landing is always talked up on. God forbidden, there were no tragedy involved, but it was not the case this morning. I was one amongst the many with profound grief and sadness, who gathered for a condolence meeting held at the ISCC Abu Dhabi to pray for the departed souls. Many stories were told touching our emotions about lost friends and family, known and unknown. May be it is due a technical error or human error, or some other unknown reason. Finally, it is a national loss and a major personal loss to those who got affected in it. Let us all, pray to god, calamities of this sort never repeats due to man made errors, as fate and destiny never give choices to us to escape from the natural disasters of unknown kind.

Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi.

To read it in original, please visit, THE NATIONAL online

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 22.05.2010 - Power of Team Work

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 22.05.2010 - Power of Team Work

Akkare Ninnu - Vol. 7 Dt. 18.05.2010 - an exclusive NRI page written for www irinjalakudalive dot com

Akkare Ninnu - Vol. 7 Dt. 18.05.2010 - an exclusive NRI page written for www irinjalakudalive dot com

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 15.05.2010 - Highway Mechanic

Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt. 15.05.2010 - Highway Mechanic



To read Short Take exclusively written for Gulf Today, please click here.

Speak your mind - GULF NEWS - Be Heard - Dt. 14.05.2010 - Fixing the problems in schools

Speak your mind - GULF NEWS - Be Heard - Dt. 14.05.2010 - Fixing the problems in schools

country's future lies with the youth and their development

By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader Published: 19:38 May 13, 2010
The talk of the town is school transportation. Should school buses have tinted windows or curtains? Also, once children reach school, what should we do to prevent abuse — from other students and teachers? A tough task indeed.

Let’s think of some viable options that are safe and harmonious.

There should be women drivers for school buses that transport girls. They will be more cautious drivers and students will be transported to and from school without being leered at. I am not generalising that all drivers are bad, but this is an option that could be taken into consideration.

It seems that putting cameras in classrooms will have to wait. At present, schools are hard-pressed to make ends meet and this isn’t a feasible option under the present economic scenario.

Therefore, to prevent children being bullied by other students or teachers, I would suggest:

• A committee should be formed for each school, comprising school management, teachers and parents. On a monthly basis, they should meet to assess the situation. Sealed complaints and suggestion boxes should be kept in schools, to be opened only by committee members.

• A higher committee comprising members from this team and from the school governing body, the Ministry of Education and police (a counselling or special team) should be formed. The school-level lower committee should submit a monthly report of any incidents.

• A daily or weekly duty officer should be appointed from among the lower committee with a contact number. Urgent matters should be handled immediately by the duty officer, after properly logging it and informing the committee. They should then try to resolve it amicably.

• If there are any serious cases, they should immediately call for an emergency meeting with the members of the higher-level committee and then analyse it thoroughly. At this time, they should take strict disciplinary action against both the student and his or her parents, who are equally responsible.

• Additionally, I suggest that the authorities consider special concessions to schools, for daily operating items. This will naturally bring down the operating costs for the schools and allow them to enhance their existing facilities or reduce school fees.
A country’s future lies with the youth and their development and these efforts will definitely bear fruit in the long run.

I submit this suggestion to the Ministry of Education through Gulf News’ column. Are there any like-minded readers out there?

— The writer is an Abu Dhabi-based technical officer and Gulf News reader
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Akkare Ninnu - Vol. 6 Dt. 10.05.2010 - An exclusive NRI page written in Malayalam for www irinjalakudalive dot com

Akkare Ninnu - Vol. 6 Dt. 10.05.2010 - An exclusive NRI page written in Malayalam for www irinjalakudalive dot com