While I do not care about Valentine’s Day celebrations, I do admire the sentiment of the people going out of their way to demonstrate their love and affection for others.
It’s good to think of other people and show them that you are thinking of them. It means they matter to you. We all need to know we matter to other people. So on Valentine’s Day we used to send things like cards, flowers, chocolates and cookies. But that seems to be a long time ago and I might be sounding old.
In fact, I am distraught and outraged at the commercialisation of such a beautiful occasion (Love is in the air this Valentine's Day, for Dh100,000, February 13). Can we really show love by throwing money towards our loved ones? Why would people need to hire a limo for Dh40,000 or spend a whopping Dh100,000 for a night's stay in a hotel. This is beyond a normal person's comprehension. Maybe not so for today's generation.
Rakadona R, Abu Dhabi
Unruly MP should be taken to task
I was shocked to read the news report Indian MP releases tear gas in parliament during Telangana debate (February 13). I wonder why these legislators are not punished by their parties for such uncivilised behaviour. As for this individual, he should be sacked from his party immediately and should not be eligible to contest the election, which will serve as an example for others. That is unlikely to happen and his shameful action will only set a bad precedent.
K Ragavan, India
Add colour to road safety drive
The report Children should be taught road safety, parents told (February 17) emphasises the commitment of the Government to road safety. But printed pamphlets are just not interesting to children and thus the approach should be more child friendly.
When I went to school, I became a member of a road safety club, but only got my badge and certificates when I had demonstrated I was road aware. Perhaps something like that should be introduced here.
Name withheld by request
Don’t pollute the outer planets
Why not first help solve the problems on Earth, Mr Branson (Sir Richard Branson's last big challenge, February 11)? Why start littering and polluting space with fumes and unnecessary travels?
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
We can travel into space, but we can’t cure poverty or halt global warming.
Jamil F Shaikh, Saudi Arabia
Exam stress can be overcome
When students find it difficult to understand something while studying they get tensed, and hence until they clear out their doubts they keep on taking stress (Preparation and asking for help: how pupils can beat exam stress, February 8).
When they can’t manage this stress well, they get depressed and choose wrong paths. But these things can be avoided if proper care is taken during the initial stages. Parents should see that their kids make a good strategy for studies like creating timetables and studying accordingly and adequately.
Name withheld by request
Mers virus in UAE cause for concern
The news of a man infected with the Mers virus is a cause for concern (Camel-owner in Abu Dhabi in intensive care after contracting Mers virus, February 13).
I hope that the authorities are able to trace the source of this deadly virus.
Fatima Suhail, Abu Dhabi
Habit of giving is magnificent
The story of the businessman K Muraleedharan is truly inspiring (Father's voice guides benefactor, February 16). It is commendable that he has passed on the values inherited by him to the next generation.
Normally charity that is countable or measurable is recognised. However, everybody has something of value to offer to another individual, be it a kind word, a simple smile, a word of appreciation, some kind of knowledge or emotional support.
Sometimes we are misled into believing that by giving to others, we somehow lose our wealth. In the long term, we gain so much more by giving. Giving also makes us happy. As long as you give, you will receive. The joy and benefits of giving should be experienced to believe.
CS Pathak, India
