At the heart of history
Doctor Christiaan Barnard had done the first human heart transplant 50 years ago and history was made. (“The man with young woman’s heart”, Gulf News, December 1). Denise Darvall met with an accident and Louis Washkansky was in need of a heart for survival. After the transplant took place, even though the 53-year-old Washkansky only lived for 18 days with his new heart, it changed history. I recollect having had a lesson in grade 11 in the year 1983 about Barnard and about the first heart transplant. Excitement and disbelief filled our classroom. Although I am not in the medical field, scientific reports always inspire me. I too had gone through a bypass in 2011 and was excited before the surgery. Now medical science has developed a lot and organ transplant is common. Still, we have a long way to go to save lives.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Visionary leadership
Every year, December 2 is celebrated as National Day in all the Emirates (“Watch: UAE leaders mark 46th National Day”, Gulf News, December 3). Today the UAE consists of seven emirates with Abu Dhabi as the capital, followed by Dubai, known for its trading and tourist destinations, Sharjah for culture, Ajman as an upcoming industrial emirate, followed by Al Fujarah, Ras Al Khimah and Um AL Quwain. In the past four and half decades, the UAE has developed remarkably in all areas, particularly tourism and trading. Today, the UAE is on the global map. The credit for this goes to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father and all the Rulers of the seven emirates. On National Day, various cultural programmes, fireworks and car rallies will be organised. People come in large numbers and enjoy the celebration. It will be colourful on that day. Having spent 16 years in the UAE, I wish the country and its people, a very happy, healthy and peaceful life.
From Mr K Ragavan
India
A disgraceful dispute
In light of all the controversy surrounding the film ‘Padmavati’, I believe that the issue has gone extremely out of hand, and the outrage surrounding it is entirely unwarranted (“‘Padmavati’ makers apply for 3D certification”, Gulf News, December 3). The film is supposedly based on Chittorgarh’s Rani Padmavati, who appears in Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s 1540 AD poem, Padmavat. There is no historical evidence to even suggest that she existed. It is shocking that no legal action has been taken against the Karni Sena for attacking the director and vandalising the set during filming, as well as offering a reward of Rs50 million (Dh2.85 million) to “behead” the actress Deepika Padukone or Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It is also shameful that the state leader from the government is publicly supporting these crimes.
From Ms Lehar Chillani
Dubai
Happiness is subjective
Happiness comes when you give something to people in any form, as charity, food, education, medical aid or any other help. This is the usual thing everyone does for society. My happiness is different. It is not involved in finance or other charity. I raise my voice for the problems of the common man, in his day to day life through the print media. It has helped few incidents and has made me happier. For example, street lights not working, senior citizen reservations and reduction in card payment and few other things. After my retirement I am devoting my time to these things. This is my spirit of giving for the past nine years.
From Mr K Ragavan
India
A commander in action
Indian cricket captain, Virat Kohli seemed to be the only team captain whose batting performance has not declined, even after taking up the role, unlike previous captains (“Kohli breaks Lara’s record of double centuries “, Gulf News, December 4). His batting and match performance has been the most consistent among all captains, in all formats of the game. However, he has a lot more to prove as a captain. He is likely to break many more previous records of great international cricketers. It is wonderful to watch him play the game with such sportsman spirit and lead the team from the front like a commanding officer. We wish him a great career ahead.
From Mr Karun Kumar Singhal
Dubai
King of all trades
I think Virat Kohli’s performance has been spectacular. It is an absolute joy to watch him play. He is focused and is always in great shape before a game. His double century is a serious achievement and he has made India proud. He is known as King Kohli, and I think it is a fitting title for such a player. He is young and has many more years in his career. I hope that he manages to become the best captain the Indian cricket team has ever seen.
From Ms Alia Mathur
Dubai
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