India must secure animal reserves

There are many things which money can't buy

I do not understand some of the points in the opinion article Wealth is important, but it doesn't build a child's character (March 25).

1. In the beginning of the story, the author says: "This news produced in me a deep strain of geography-envy." Is it only money that has value and nothing else?

2. The writer says a 10-year-old child asked her mother how much money she was going to leave him. Can a child of that age ask such a question? It's sad if he really did, and I would blame the parents for spoiling the child.

3. I don't understand what the author wants to convey by saying: "This approach is a bit harder for those of us who live in the East, where household help is readily available." Do all of us in the East have maids? I don't have, although I can afford to have one. Why can't children do some of their own work?

4. Parents do not need help ("Help for parents in this situation is at hand"). They must discipline their children. What is "positive psychology"? Why would parents need it to discipline their children?

5. All children stop whining after a certain age. When they do so, they are no longer children.

6. The Penn Resiliency Project doesn't help. Children only need loving care. Even a "super-rich" can't buy that.

J Lee, Dubai

Expensive fashion is in poor taste

Do we really need to promote such expensive abayas when there is poverty all around us (A Dh65 million abaya, March 20)?

The world's most expensive abaya with red diamonds and precious stones woven into the skirt of the gown will only fascinate the rich. Fashion designers should show some sensitivity while designing something like this. Such activities only show our ignorance towards the poor.

Haseeb Malik, Sharjah

Dubai must avoid short-term gains

I don't understand why so many construction projects are being approved in Dubai (Dubai's Meydan villas back under starter's orders, March 21).

Work has started on many new residential projects in the emirate. I am worried that this could lead to another property bubble.

New developments should be regulated. There is no reason to sacrifice long-term objectives for short-term gains.

R Charlton, Dubai

More questions on education

The relationship between market forces and quality is important but complex (Students told to take care choosing a university, March 24).

I am sure Dr Bhayani's study is helpful in exploring that relationship (a clear reference to access his study would be helpful).

At the same time, we must ask if there is any guarantee that the employers in Dr Bhayani's study have a clear long-term vision for the economic development of the nation as a knowledge-based society.

Clearly, in one set of articles and editorial the key questions relating to the alignment of demographic issues, education, employment and economic development policies cannot all be addressed.

I hope The National will go on to look at them in detail.

Martin Prince, Dubai

The Sorbonne was one day a new university and not so well-known. It is the same with Princeton and other big universities. Everything needs a start, everyone deserves a fair chance.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

India must protect the animals

I was sad to read the story about poachers killing one-horned rhinos in India (Poachers kill rare rhinos in wildlife park, March 25).

The Indian government must do more to protect these animals. At one point of time, Royal Bengal tigers were killed indiscriminately. They are still being killed, but fortunately the number has fallen. Now the focus has shifted to rhinos.

Trade in endangered animals thrives on demand in many countries, including China and Vietnam. But this cruelty must stop.

Patangrao Kadam, the forest minister of Maharashra, was right when he said last year that forest guards should not be booked for human rights violations when they kill poachers.

Every state in the country should ensure same.

That is one way to save these animals.

Clearly, something more needs to be done immediately apart from just increasing forest patrols.

There is no excuse for a failure to protect them.

Petrina, Abu Dhabi

Hunting resort not an exciting idea

The news First hunting resort to open in UAE (March 26) is disappointing.

Why should people go to a resort to kill animals? I, for one, will not visit this resort. Something is not right about it.

Name withheld by request

India must secure animal reserves

Children need parents' loving care. At the same time, they must be disciplined. These things cannot be bought. Other topics: fashion, Dubai property, education, animals, hunting resort.