EXPO 2020 WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT

The UAE’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 will have a positive impact on the country and it will also give a face lift to the region. It is not only expected to attract millions of tourists and visitors from across the world, but also maximise the opportunities for youth and inspire them to achieve their potential. The programme is allowing schools to participate and is giving opportunity to volunteers. Such experience will help build a cultural footprint and boost local, regional and social development, enhancing the world view of both UAE and the Arab world. Many doors will open for the youth as they will get exposure to various fields and gain knowledge, know more about innovation, national pride and human empowerment. They need to make the most of the opportunities by being focused and determined. It will bring the world together where people will get a chance to exchange global ideas and boost economy, tourism and business are sure to thrive. — Jayashree Kulkarni, Abu Dhabi

A friend in need is a friend indeed

This is in reference to news report Disabled dad begs activist daughter not to donate

kidney to friend (KT, Dec 3). It was a heartwarming story of Manjot Singh Kohli, who is a 23-year-old Sikh rights activist in Jammu and Kashmir, India. She has decided to save the life of her friend 23-year-old Muslim friend Samreen Akhtar by donating a kidney. It is a wonderful gesture, reflecting compassion. Such acts restore our faith in humanity and power of friendship. But Manjot is facing a serious dilemma.

Her disabled father has appealed to her to reconsider the decision. There are a number of reasons he has cited: He needs her by his side as there is no one else to attend to him; he cannot walk and relies on her support. Besides, he is also planning to get her married shortly and the act of donation might create problems.

The father has, in fact, sent a notice to the medical institute, requesting them to not proceed with the request. He has even approached the governor of the state to intervene.

The somber appeal by the father is certainly very heart rending, and so is Manjot’s gesture to save the life of a friend. However, I think she should listen to her father who needs her by his side. Service to parents is supreme. I hope Samreen will understand the noble gesture of Manjot and decline the donation. Surely someone else will come forward to help her. — Aftab Ahmed, Dubai

Basking in the glow of my kitchen garden

I live in Mudon Villa in the Dubai Land area. I planted saplings of over 40 vegetables and fruits in the last few weeks and many of them have now started bearing fruit. There is an assortment of stuff: watermelon, fig, sugarcane, corn, brinjals, chilies, tomatoes, ladyfingers, coriander, lettuce, mint. I am so enthralled to see this my little kitchen garden thrive. There is a general belief among people here that such plants do not grow here, but my experiments show that with a little bit of dedication and sunshine everything is possible to grow. — Mohammad Ali Aiyubi, Dubai