Struggles and happiness

Struggles and happiness

Last year’s worst moment was my tough financial situation, wherein I had no money to even pay for my children’s school fees, and this was the time I truly understood and appreciated those people who stood beside me (“Letters: Best is yet to come”, Gulf News, December 31). They encouraged me and taught me a valuable lesson: I should not trust anyone with regards to money. I was in deep trouble myself and had to sell off my wedding jewellery to run my household. Even during this time I financially helped people who I assumed were friends and till date they haven’t returned the amount given to them. The best moment of last year occurred when, despite all the odds and being a single mother, I did not break. I stood up with my head held high, strong, and fought against all obstacles. I did not give up. During this period, I was finding a suitable job. I have ample amount of time in my hand and I did not let it go to waste. I reduced 30 kilograms of weight, and I also had an article published in a newspaper in India.

Ms Rakhee Mansukhani

Sharjah

The year of Zayed

Let us welcome the New Year, give a happy adieu to the old, start the new beginning without fear, and cherish the memories we hold! A very happy new year everyone. As we know, 2018 is named as the Year of Zayed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to mark 100 years since the birth of the country’s founding father. The Year of Zayed is a great national occasion where we will proudly share the memories of the life of the Founding Father, and his gift to the people. His deeply rooted values, principles and traditions have become a part of the Emirati identity. Looking forward to a cheerful and prosperous 2018.

From Ms Shaheen Nazar

Sharjah

Hard work and hope

Resolutions are the current memes of every year from now on. Hence, I have nothing on the list. My idea about hope and expectation is - work hard, effectively, efficiently and have hope. Unless we don’t take our step and work on what we are hoping for, there is no chance to expect anything. I am willing to work on my hopes and wait for my expectations. Happy New Year to all.

From Ms Sabuna Manaf

UAE

Keeping memories

The last year has been an amazing one for me. I cannot believe the things I got to experience and the memories I managed to make. Not only did I finish my university degree, I graduated and got a job. I took my first all-girls road trip and went parasailing. Not only did I get to meet new people and make friends, I also grew as a person. When I look back, though things are a little vague, I remember having a good time. I think for this year, I am going to keep a record of all the good days that I had. I think we get so caught up in stress and worry, sometimes we ignore the blessings we have. I wish everyone a great year ahead.

Ms Alia Mathur

Dubai

Fire tragedy

The tragic fire incident in the top floor of a restaurant in the Indian commercial capital of Mumbai, caused 15 casualties and many people lost their lives too (“Mumbai fire: women who took refuge in washroom died of asphyxiation”, Gulf News, December 30). The blaze from the next compound was from a restaurant and caused the whole incident. Whether the restaurant authorities are following the rules and regulations of fire department is not known. I pray for the victims and the speedy recovery of those injured.

From Mr K Ragavan

India

Fire and the fault

The fire in Mumbai was very tragic. People were trapped because they could not find the fire safety exit. This just shows that things are taken too lightly in India. For the restaurant to get its licence, it needed to have the right municipality required amenities and facilities. Clearly nothing was in place. I wish people took such measures seriously. I feel bad for the families involved in this mess. To the owners, I hope they get a deserving punishment. You cannot play with the lives of people, neither can you pay off people and get away with this scot-free. Justice will be served.

From Ms Anya Rai

Dubai

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