A proud moment
The launch of the KhalifaSat was a proud moment for the UAE (“KhalifaSat makes history as the first satellite built on UAE soil reaches space”, Gulf News, October 30). I’ve been living in this country for many years, and I treat each achievement like one of my own. I woke up early just so that I could watch the launch on television. We waited, holding our breath, waiting for the moment the satellite was launched. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this mission, especially the Rulers of the country. Whatever the UAE sets its heart to do, it does. I’m so proud to be staying in this country.
From Mr Anil Gupta
Dubai
Mysterious circumstances\
This is in reference to the recent explosive packages that were mailed to many politicians and celebrities in the US (“Suspicious package sent to Robert De Niro’s restaurant, New York building evacuated”, Gulf News, October 26). The packages have been causing chaos in parts of the US and across the world.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the motive behind this and there have been no leads so far. Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was campaigning in Florida when the mysterious package was emailed to her. The guilty should be investigated and brought to justice. This is a sad state of affairs.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Getting rid of minorities
In India, religious extremism is at its peak. In the name of Hinduism, the BJP government is attempting to change India from a secular democracy to an extremist Hindu country (“Bye Allahabad, hello ‘Prayagraj’”, Gulf News, October 17). The latest example of this lies in the recent decision to change the name of the city, Allahabad, to Prayagraj. Next is Ahmedabad and Faizabad, and will this list go on?
These names were given by the glorious dynasties that ruled India for hundreds of years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a heavy price for this blatant and shameless hatred against the minorities, especially the Muslims. Their future is now unsafe and uncertain in the hands of Modi and his companions. Shame on those people who support Modi and the BJP government in their decisions.
From Mr S. K. Irshad
UAE
Happiness is everywhere
Everyone is looking for happiness. It consists of contentment and joy. However, people running in search of happiness
will never find it (“Dubai uses social media to measure happiness”, Gulf News, October 16).
They will never find happiness till they are content with that they have. We should embrace life as it comes and we should accept ourselves the way we are. These are simple words to say to people but this philosophy is difficult to implement. We need to try and develop this habit. Happiness is not something available in the market to buy. We have to find it inside our core.
Each person has been born with an ability to enjoy things and different things make people happy. People need to work to find what works for their lives. Expecting continuous stability in life is ridiculous; life is full of ups and downs. Success with failure is unavoidable. Instead of brooding over trivial issues, we should divert our attention elsewhere. We never think about the worst-case scenario when life is going smoothly, and we think we are above such experiences. When we have enough resources to satisfy our needs, we are still running after things to satisfy our wants. The fulfilment of one want can possibly trigger another want, and this becomes a chain reaction. The result is such: We are never happy in life. Life is beautiful so we should see happiness in everything. From Ms Shemeem Shafik
Sharjah
I accept the challenge
The Fitness Challenge is back and my family and I are very happy (“Dubai Fitness Challenge draws thousands on Day 1”, Gulf News, October 27). While we try to be healthy all year round, having a challenge like this adds to the motivation. In our daily lives, I take out an hour of my day to work out. I do a combination of activities to keep it interesting. Initially, exercising was hard because results take time. But if you eat unhealthy and live a bad lifestyle, your body won’t show you results in a few days. You have to consistently keep at it and only then will it have an effect. I have always encouraged my children to take up sports and classes. If you encourage a healthy active lifestyle early on, it becomes a part of a routine. I’ve set a goal for myself, and I’m going to use this month to work on it more. I’ve accepted the challenge.
From Ms Ananya Anand
Dubai
Timely justice
This is a very good step and we really appreciate this decision (“Imran launches Pakistan Citizen Portal”, Gulf News, October 28). I would like to salute the chief justice. Now, we have an honest man as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. Now, courts do what they need to do, so that justice is free.
From Ms Pearl Shah
UAE
Facebook comment
Pakistan on the right track
This is great news (“Pakistan SC restores ban on Indian programmes on TV channels”, Gulf News, October 28). Pakistan should promote its own films and its television industry. Film and television is a billion dollar global industry and it should be used as a way to create tourism and advertising hubs for the country. Such an industry with superstars will help improve the economy of the place. Superstar actors have a lot of power and this can be what brings more economic power to Pakistan. Economic power can help eliminate unemployment, child labour, illiteracy and more. From Mr Ahmad Mumtaz
UAE
Facebook comment
Safety first
It’s a very good inclusive decision, however from a safety aspect it’s absolute carnage (“Peshawar exempts Sikh motorcyclists from wearing helmets”, Gulf News, October 27). If you have fallen even at a speed of 20km/h from a bike, you will understand what I mean. I have taken tumbles at really high speed, and I am only here because I fortunately wore a helmet. Sikh people should commend the decision but ensure they still put on a helmet to be safe.
From Mr Usman Ghani
Dubai
Facebook comment
Helmets are a must
This is a good decision but I think road safety is essential. People drive badly on the roads and it does not matter how good a driver you are. I think something needs to be done wherein Sikh people can wear their turban and the helmet, while not feeling uncomfortable. I think road safety is something we should not question and argue with. Accidents can happen anywhere.
From Ms Kamini Gupta
Sharjah
Hidden political agendas?
This is in reference to the preaching by former finance minister and Congress leader, P. Chidambaram, that due to the disqualification of 18 Tamil Nadu members of parliament, instead of holding by-polls for 20 seats, he demands a full-fledged assembly election in Tamil Nadu. As a former minister and senior member of the Congress party, he should be aware of the cost of such an election for the country. Probably, after becoming the spokesperson for Congress president Rahul Gandhi, he too seems to be wishing for the impossible. It seems as though he too is craving power, especially in Tamil Nadu, where he was once shown the door. Or, does he have another agenda in mind and wants to sponsor his son for the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu?
From Mr N. Viswanathan
India
Traffic rules for pedestrians
As per UAE traffic law, motorists are required to give priority to pedestrians at zebra crossings. If they fail to do this, they will be fined Dh500, coupled with black points. It has, however, been observed that pedestrians on the zebra crossing are very careless and walk slowly. They use their mobile phones and ignore the queue of vehicles that have stopped for them. There should be some obligations for the code of conduct for the pedestrians while using the zebra crossing. Alternatively, traffic signals at each and every zebra crossing should be installed, so that the pedestrians can also abide by the traffic signals and rules, like motorists. It has also been noted that even after the signal turns green, people crossing the road do not care and continue crossing, which is very dangerous for both the driver as well as the pedestrian. From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
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