Acting as a role model
T he pressure of technology makes people think less (“Electric cars in Dubai come with these four free perks”, Gulf News, September 25). I am sure the media impacts people greatly. Electric car users will also be exempted from registration and renewal of vehicle fees, and will get a free Salik tag upon registration, from the Roads and Transport Authority. Using the electric cars will be a great turning point in Dubai. Firstly, Dubai’s care about the environment should be appreciated, as always. Government institutions are moving in line with the UAE’s Vision 2021, to try and create a sustainable environment for air quality, increase clean energy and green development. I hope UAE will be the role model for other countries. For a city to be sustainable it needs to encompass three main pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social sustainability. Ultimately, the key goal of any sustainable city should be to provide residents and workers with the highest quality of life together with the lowest environmental footprint.
From Ms Habeeba Salim UAE
Electric cars in Dubai
I think Dubai is competing with itself. They are far ahead of everyone else and there is no one to compete with. Even highly polluted countries have not started seriously thinking about ways and means of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. The fabulous benefits announced for the pollution free electronic cars depicts the government’s sense of purpose, eagerness to adopt change and the care it has for the people and future generations. The Rulers are trying to drive home an important message that Earth is for hundreds of generations to come. For the government to gain momentum, they need some early adopters. For those early adopters of change, they are ready to give many benefits so that they can influence others to adopt such methods. The vision and insight of Dubai leaders deserves applause. I am sure five years down the line, 35 per cent of Dubai roads will have electronic vehicles. From Mr Anil Kumar UAE
Justified reason
I believe in the freedom of speech and the freedom to fight for what was promised, by politicians during the Indian elections (“Violence in BHU; students, journalists injured; CM seeks report”, Gulf News, September 24). The anger experienced by the students is justified. I support the fact that they wished to protest, but I don’t support the manner in which it was conducted. Innocent people have been attacked, property and vehicles have been destroyed. Violent protests are bound to be met with an equally violent force. From Ms Mehak Madaan Dubai Facebook comment
Violence is not the answer
I t is unfortunate to note that students clash with the police frequently, either to prove their supremacy over law and order, or to get cheap publicity for their future endeavours. Great leaders of the past took centre stage with their charismatic approach by acquiring leadership qualities. What are today’s students taught? Only violence! It is sad that some governing authorities encourage such group of students to settle their scores, for their own selfish gain. I wonder if the saying “the fight of the fittest”, is wrongly misinterpreted by the students. I also think that the portrayal of violence by the media and cinemas is responsible for this change in culture. How are we going to bring back the culture of the past to these students? Teachers need to discipline the student community and students should educate themselves to avoid using violence. It is high time they realise the importance of bringing peace and harmony in society. From Mr Dorairajan Ravi Sharjah
Teaching moral education
T he decision to allocate few hours of moral education in the school curriculum by the UAE ministry is a great initiative (“UAE schools take first steps in Moral Education”, Gulf News, September 24). Although most moral lessons are taught to children at a young age, from their homes and through religious teachings, a broader ethical standard based on social values is significant in preparing an individual. They will then be able to have a well-balanced world view and subsequently meet societal expectations, especially if they are living in a multicultural environment. Generally, moral education adopted in schools are based on values that are humanistic, which are inherently derived from a sense of love towards fellow beings and Nature. From Mr Esmail Mohammmad Dubai