Letter to Editor(Local daily)-Nov

NOV-2005

Fortune-telling (www.khaleejtimes.ae)
26 November 2005

THE world is fast developing in all aspects but people cannot keep pace with the development and fall back to old habits and superstitions. I am appalled by the acts of the sensation-mongering media, which beam shows related to fallacy, which in turn make gullible people fall in to traps like questionable sciences. A favourite local radio & TV channel catering to a wide audience have on their show numerology & astrology. I feel this pseudo- science has its basis on fear & ignorance of people. Therefore, we need to encourage people to shun this habit of depending on numbers & stars in the constellation clashing with the stars of birth, thereby giving the person luck or bad luck. It does have a placebo effect for sure, and that is all to it in my opinion. Many people whose religious beliefs strictly forbid superstition still are anxious to follow this false superstitious belief. This is not a good sign. Destiny of any person is determined by his own efforts & by God's will.
— Ahsan Ghori, Abu Dhabi

Needed: freeze on rent hike (www.khaleejtimes.ae)
22 nov 2005

• FOOD, clothing and shelter are the basic needs of human beings. Now the UAE is facing a situation which reminds me of the famous words by a traveller, while he was on a journey in the sea. "Water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink". The situation is almost the same with regard to shelter here, and I say, "Buildings, buildings everywhere, but not one is affordable for a stay". The authorities may think of innovative ideas to sort this problem out, by not favouring one over the other.
  — Ahsan Ghori, Abu Dhabi
  
  

TV censorship (www.khaleejtimes.ae)
16 November 2005

• CENSORSHIP in television by authorities is required for sure. The simple reason is that we are living in a society bound by rules and regulations, and hence we need to be careful not to offend other people's sentiments. What is acceptable for one person is not acceptable for another. The word "free" is so pleasing to hear, but the truth is, if we are free to do whatever we want to do, then there will be only chaos and confusion. So, somewhere down the line, there is need for controls and limits. In mathematics, when we have limits, we arrive at a formula that helps to solve the problem; and when there is no limit, it becomes infinity with no solution in sight. Therefore, the logic is always to limit oneself to arrive at a solution. The method adopted may vary but the solution and conclusion is the same. Censorship varies from country to country, but one should know the limits and follow the rules set by any country. Opinions vary, values vary, outlook varies, but if one considers and respects others' opinions, rather than impose their opinions on others, that would be better.
  — Ahsan Ghori, Abu Dhabi
  
  

Sightings and celebrations (www.khaleejtimes.ae)
10 November 2005

• RELIGION is very sensitive issue. People are so scared to discuss anything about religion fearing a backlash.Many times as a layman when I try to discuss religion or express my logical thinking on many religious issues, the reply I get is ''let us leave it to people who have learned religion and follow what they say with no questions asked whatsoever''. When Mr. Galadari wrote about this moon sighting issue, many of us agree with him but dare not question anyone. I should say that I totally agree with him, as Islam is the religion of unity. As far as and wherever possible, we should show unity and brotherhood. I also agree with the reply of Mr. Moideen (KT Nov -6) that it is not possible to unify and have a standard time for the whole world, as the time zones are different. However having said that, there is certainly room for improvement. For example, back home in India Eid was celebrated on different dates in the same state or province. This causes problems regarding declaration of holidays for the authorities as they are unsure when to give them.Many times, they declare restricted holiday during Eid and as the term itself suggests, it is because of a restriction in the Muslim mind for whatever reason. It will be more convincing and helpful for Muslims if scholars or learned men come up with unanimous decisions on such issues acceptable to all.It is high time we bring about uniformity in our religious observances and show the world the solidarity in faith and brotherhood.

— Ahsan Ghori, Abu Dhabi

Smile, please! (www.khaleejtimes.ae)
3 November 2005

• SMILE is the only curve that straightens things up, but then, why do most people not smile at all, be it strangers or even neighbours residing in the same building. Many of you would have encountered people in the elevators trying to avoid looking at you. They look up, down or at those numbering buttons in the lift, waiting desperately with their mouths shut for the elevator to reach their respective floors. The atmosphere in the lift is definitely heavy and dry. Many a time, one can sense the uneasiness amongst the crowd. Does a pleasing smile cost them anything at all? Same is the case when you go to a shop .The salesperson hardly smiles. There is a Chinese saying which says don’t open a shop unless you like to smile. Why is this innocuous smile missing with the people in this part of the world? I wonder what could be the reason! Is it because of a lack of trust or no concern for fellow human beings? Can anyone enlighten me on this?
  — A. G., Abu Dhabi
  

Why two-tier holiday system?
3 November 2005

• RAMADAN is the month of sacrifice, patience, giving and goodwill. The people working in the private sector after month-long preparations are put to the test right on the eve of Eid on having to be patient and not to be envious or show jealousy. They have to accept the two-tier holiday system wherein the private sector follows the Islamic calendar (Shawwal 1&2 of Hijri year 1426) as holidays, and the public sector follows the Georgian calendar (Nov 2 to 6, Year 2005) as holidays. Now, can anyone explain to me why can’t the public sector employees also follow the same holidays as for the private sector or vice-versa.Many countries around the world follow the same rule as far as holidays are concerned — be it public or private sector. As we are going global, let’s go global in this regard also. The shopping festival has started and the slogan is ‘One world, one family one people’. Is this true?
  — Ahsan Ghori, Abu Dhabi