Leading in religious tolerance

Leading in religious tolerance

This a welcome move by the Abu Dhabi government to allot 14 acres for land to the construction of the temple (“Hindu temple to have 7 towers representing each emirate”, Gulf News, February 11). It’s really a historic event and it reflects the farsightedness of the Rulers of the UAE, to grant permission for the construction of the temple. This shows that the UAE is committed to religious tolerance and this should be a role model to other countries. They have set an example for the world. There are more than 200 nationalities living in peace and harmony here. They respect the cultural values of each other. People living here respect all religions and have the freedom to practice their beliefs. The leaders of this country are to be praised for allowing the citizens to profess their faith and help them by building a place of worship.

From Mr Eappen Elias

Dubai

What does Valentine’s Day really mean?

Valentine’s Day is the day of love. It is a day where people set aside all the work they have and make time for those they love (“Romantic meals for two this Valentine’s Day in the UAE”, Gulf News, February 12). It is celebrated just like any other occasion. While every day people should be told how much they mean to us, we forget to do this. Having a day dedicated to love makes it easier. However, I still don’t think that people should feel pressurised into buying expensive flowers and presents. It should be the thought and the effort that went into everything that mattered most. People express their love differently. We need to appreciate each other.

From Ms Anya Krishnan

Dubai

US immigration problems

How state policies take a tragic twist on people’s lives can be seen in the Gulf News story about the helpless Syrian family, whose daughter is now forced to stay apart from them as she was late in securing a refugee status in the US (“‘A hellish nightmare’: How Trump’s travel ban hit a Syrian refugee family”, Gulf News, February 10). The family who has been granted asylum is now going through a great deal of suffering at the thought of being cut off from their eldest daughter, who is now stranded in war-torn Syria. I hope US President Donald Trump would reconsider his anti-immigrant policy, and acknowledge the contributions made by the immigrant community, in terms of building cities, infrastructure, not to mention, receiving low wages and no state welfare funds. The incident also serves as a stark reminder as to how immigration policies are getting tougher in the US, ever since Trump has taken over power.

From Mr Esmail Mohammad

Dubai

The death of a great soul

The death of Pakistan’s human right’s activist, Asma Jahangir, was marked by melancholy from the world at large and most of the humanitarians are in a state of shock and disbelief (“Pakistan rights activist Asma Jahangir dies”, Gulf News, February 12). No words can describe the sorrow that stems from her death. She was well known for her opinions and unrelenting pursuit of human rights. She remained undaunted in the face of extreme pressure and opposition. She remained brave, relentless and rose to prominence by the sheer dint of her hard work, persistence and commitment to the ideals of rule of law. She was also incarcerated multiple times by dictators for her pro-democracy activism. She participated in the movement for the restoration of democracy against the dark military regime of Pakistani four-star general, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. She was the torch-bearer for minority rights, and had put up titanic resistance against bigotry and regressive elements of all kinds. I am one of the grievers for her death. I had a brief encounter with her from time to time and found her to be an exceptionally humble soul. For generations to come, she will be remembered as a valiant person who defied all odds.

From Mr Nasir Soomro

Karachi, Pakistan

Stop the cards

I think such cards are a complete nuisance and they can only be found in the older parts of Dubai (“Heaps of massage cards found every day”, Gulf News, February 8). I hope the authorities will take immediate action. The issue has been raised numerous times, yet there does not seem to be a permanent solution. Not only do these people litter the streets and destroy the visual appeal of the place, but their cards also affect our children, as they wonder what such cards are and what they mean. I think these rackets should be stopped immediately.

From Ms Anjum Apte

UAE

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