World slams Trump
The recent development from the US administration on the announcement of Jerusalem as the new capital of Israel was given mixed reactions from people around the globe (“Trump dared, so what are we going to do?”, Gulf News, December 7). The decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine and the hope for peace has now been shattered after US President Donald Trump’s decision. Whether this is good or a hasty decision, we will have to wait and see. Palestinians are upset over this move and will agitate against Israel and the Israeli’s will react, which is what is happening. This dramatic development will have a global impact.
From Mr K Ragavan
India
Key to a happy family
It’s inspiring and happy to know that gender equality and family harmony is best practiced in Finland (“Finland focusses on rights of the child”, Gulf News, December 9). Fathers are happily pushing prams and taking care of their babies and the government supports the concept that fathers play a crucial role in the development of a child. The government’s campaign called ‘It’s Daddy’s time’ is set to encourage the fathers to take care of their babies. Providing less stress during pregnancy and supporting motherhood will benefit the mental health of any baby. Mothers should be given mental and physical support and household chores should be also taken care of by fathers. In Asian countries, from the time of pregnancy, all the burden is transferred to the woman and in most families, fathers don’t even take care of the baby. As the Finnish government is committed on providing both mothers and fathers with meaningful social and financial support, this will certainly provide a pleasant environment and result in happy children. Parents will also be able to spend quality time with their children. Let’s hope at least even in our families we give adequate support to our kids and fathers spending more time with their children.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
A never-ending argument
A repeatedly arising subject is the relevance of beauty pageants and the fuss behind them (“Should beauty contests be banned?”, Gulf News, December 8). But, pageants continue to go on. There are many factors related to it that it will go on. Advertising is an indispensable ingredient related to each and every piece of commodity and goods, which is the reason why without it, nothing comes to the market. Such contest adds flavour and spice to such advertising. The creativity of photography is very evident in such pageants, therefore quick banning will be a little bit tough. The emphasis should be on inner beauty rather than outer beauty, which is superficial.
From Ms Annie Rathi Samuel
USA
Managing diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition (“Diabetes is spreading but it can be controlled”, Gulf News, December 9). Without utmost care and proper treatment, it can result in serious health issues. But if you change your dietary habits, lead an active life, follow a regular exercise regimen and take appropriate medication, you can manage it well. Family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and stress are some of the vital reasons for diabetes. Once, it makes a foray into your life, it will be your lifelong companion. But you can control it and lead a healthy life. For some, managing diabetes feels like a Herculean task, for it affects your daily routine, at home as well as at work. Change is not always easy. But with self-control, discipline, practice and will-power, diabetes management can become a habit. Tomorrow’s cure is today’s prevention.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Striving for perfection
In this present day and age, we can agree with the fact that we strive, not for excellence but for perfection. Stress drives around students to kill themselves all around the world. Students these days strive to be the highest of the highest when in fact they don’t realise they’re striving to be a person they are not. Peer pressure is one of the main contributors to a student’s thinking they are not worth it. It’s extremely important to understand that every student has different capabilities. Parents, teachers or any other person who plays a role in a student’s life should try and uplift them and make sure they shine in whatever the set their heart upon, instead of forcing them to be someone they are not. It’s important for every figure in a student’s life to remind them that they matter and that they don’t have to make any alterations to their identity just to fit in. It’s important for us to understand that every child’s mind works differently and every single mind has to be given the freedom to explore their passion. Striving for perfection will bring nothing but eternal sadness. To any student reading this, please be reminded that no matter what, always stay loyal to your identity because that’s what matters the most.
From Ms Aneira Pereira
UAE
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