Malala's message of hope resonates around the world
I refer to UN declares Malala Day (July 13).
I am certain that the speech at the United Nations General Assembly by Malala Yousafzai, as part of her campaign for girls' rights, was an inspirational occasion for all young people.
In this complex environment, the message she delivered to the world is full of relevance.
The Taliban attack on Malalah a year ago has made her more committed and determined to pursue her ambitions.
Her campaign to provide education to all girls needs to be positively viewed by responsible governments, especially in countries where a large number of women and children are being attacked by extremists or as a by-product of armed conflict.
Let's hope to see a change in overall perceptions about women who, as Malala has said, suffer the most in this world.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Telecoms sector needs competition
I am writing about TRA aims to cut telecoms red tape (June 27).
Yes, we could use some competition in the telecoms sector.
I just hope that as a part of this, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority will monitor the quality of connections more.
The chronic latency problems slowing down traffic on our ISPs, have gone on for far too long.
If there had been a choice, I'd have jumped to another ISP after the first month of the problem going unaddressed by my current provider.
Name withheld by request
Fasting not easy in northern centres
I refer to JohnHenzell's Focus article, Ramadan, and the sun never sets (July 11).
Some years ago, my wife and I travelled on holiday through Sweden to Norway, crossing the Svinesund road bridge over the Ide Fjord.
We stopped at a roadside market and met a Saudi Arabian national from Dhahran who had lived in Norway for more than three decades.
He told us that fully participating in Ramadan during a Scandinavian summer was especially hard, given the length of the days.
He added that the dispensation on the length of Ramadan fasting had helped to alleviate the burden of adherence.
Name withheld by request
For countries where there is no sunset, Ramadan fasting should be calculated using the closest country that has a daily sunrise and sunset.
My father used to live in the United States in the 1980s, and he fasted from 2am until 9pm.
For those who think new rules should be made, I say: you should not modify your religion to suit your current life standards.
C Al Arnab, Dubai
Indian courts right to ban candidates
I was pleased to read India acts on crooked politicians (July 11).
Many political parties have elected members with criminal backgrounds; it has been an all-too-common feature of Indian politics.
The time is now right for the Supreme Court to rule that these candidates be excluded.
This rule should be enforced strictly for the sake of better governance. K Ragavan, India
Bollywood mourns its greatest villain
I refer to Beloved Bollywood villain Pran dies at 93 (July 14).
The Indian film industry has certainly lost a very talented actor and star.
Between the 1950s and the 1980s, no successful film could be made in India without Pran Sikand as the villain.
It goes to the credit of his prodigious talent that he was the most dreaded villain on screen, and yet he managed to transform himself in latter years into a great character actor.
As a villain he was so feared that for decades no child in India was named Pran.
He acted in more than 400 films and showcased his boundless talent in a range of roles.
He will be missed.
Rajendra Aneja, India
