20 November 2009

The controversy created by the Shiv Sena chief is really uncalled for. (‘Stay Off the Political Pitch, Thackeray Warns Sachin,’ KT, November, 17). Thackeray is parochial while Sachin is patriotic, and that is what matters as far as the common man is concerned.

Thackeray is behaving like a frog in a well; his world is only Maharashtra. He should realise that his parochial approach has not helped him win the minds of people. Maharashtra belongs to India, and if India is not there, the entity of the state is at stake. Sachin plays for the country. He is a world-known player, an invincible record breaker as well a record creator. He is an icon for many, irrespective of religion, region and age.

Thackeray is now aging and such rhetoric from him should be ignored. But it is unfortunate that his followers are taking them seriously.

-Shemeem K, Dubai

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This is with reference to the controversy over Sachin’s remarks. I don’t understand the necessity for a discussion on this topic, leave alone a controversy in the first place. Anyone from India is first an Indian, the state or religion or caste or creed are all secondary.

There is nothing wrong in what Sachin said and would certainly appreciate if more public figures come forward and claim the same in order to silence the so-called regional politicians. Politicians just wait for an opportune moment to rake up trivial issues and create an unrest in society.

Introductions in the UAE are very strange as most of the people keep saying he is from Kerala or Mumbai or Kolkata without realising that one cannot expect people from other nationalities to be aware of these and other states. It would be much simpler if one says he is an Indian from India.

20 November 2009


Looking back at our history makes some of us feel proud and some feel poignant. This is for those who feel distressed at the state of our past.

We may be a victim to the problem of self-discipline due to the zooming pace of modernisation of our civilisation. We may as well be a robot, as exaggerated by filmmakers.

In reality, who knows what we may become, taking into consideration the myriad feelings we experience.
Just look around us, at the problems we face. Who cares! May it be environmental issues or the crash of self respect, they are all linked and we may be contributing to it.

Everyone is busy with their own schedules. But, let’s take steps before it is too late. Instead of initiating private campaigns let’s stand as one. Instead of bickering about past issues, let’s take huge strides to help a nation that needs help.

19 November 2009

The Dubai Government has been a pioneer in protecting the health and interests of its citizens and expatriates. Hence, I would like to bring to the notice of the authorities the problem people living in Al Quoz face.

Thousands of labourers have been accommodated in the area. Accommodation and sanitary conditions are excellent as compared to the shared flats and villas these labourers had been living in before.

However, there are no proper roads in the area. The paths are all muddy. Every day, some hundreds of vehicles carrying workers to and from the construction sites use the roads. Due to this, the air in this area is always polluted. There is sand everywhere.

I request the authorities concerned to lay permanent roads in front of the camp. This will solve the matter to a great extend.

19 November 2009

One of the reputed and popular fast food chains from the US, which specialises in chicken preparation has become quite customer ‘unfriendly’.

Until a few months ago, the same fast food chain used to serve black pepper and, mayonnaise free of charge along with the order. But surprisingly they
have completely stopped supplying the said items. Mayonnaise is no longer available free of cost; it is only available upon payment.

Similarly, tomato ketchup used to be free of charge regardless of how many the customer uses. But now, just a limited quantity is supplied free.

Recently, for spicy French fries they have started charging extra whereas spicy chicken costs the same price as the regular ones.

Clearly, this fast food chain is becoming customer ‘unfriendly’ and is setting a bad precedent for other fast food chains in the market.

19 November 2009

Open Space is a welcome edition to Khaleej Times. It gives readers the opportunity to share their opinions on various subjects, and the subjects really vary beacuse of the melting pot of cultures that the UAE is.

However, I feel that contentious issues such as Vande Mataram should not find a place in this space as the debate tends to get out of control and narrows down to personality clashes.

Every society has certain obligations and burdens which the current generation has to live with. And India with such a large and diverse population is no exception.

We have all left our homes and families to be here in order to have a better life and a secure future. We should make use of the opportunities available and the freedom provided and not indulge in using this forum to talk about issues which are largely irrelevant to UAE society.