3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival 26th February to 7th March 2009, Abu Dhabi

3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival organized by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi started yesterday evening with a grand opening. The festival will be held from 26th February till 7th March 2009.

Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi








More videos and photo uploads follows:

Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech



Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers







Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi




Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech



Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function



Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function

It's OJRA re time at Abu Dhabi

From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it's OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.

Towards and cleaner and healthier environment

Vow!! What a nice view. You must be thinking while looking at the picture immediately below. It was taken from the newly built pedestrian bridge on a Friday morning as soon as it was installed for the use of residents in Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi.

A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.

Garbage items thrown carelessly everywhere. How is it possible to create an un-healthy environment so soon. That was my question? A few days passed and I found the amount of garbage increasing. As always, reacting to such issues, I tried to contact the relevant authorities. It didn't turn out to be a waste of effort.


Report in Gulf News - Your Turn community report page.

In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.

Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.

It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.

Dual responsibility in road safety

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

Do’s and Don’ts When Driving in Foggy Conditions

õ While driving under foggy weather, motorists should reduce the speed gradually and drive at a controlled speed that fits the circumstances.

õ Motorists should make sure that all the lights of the vehicle are in good working condition, the instructions read.

õ They should use low lights as the head lights reflect water drops in the fog, thus making visibility difficult.

õ Motorists are advised to switch on the fog lights if available in the car and be patient avoiding overtaking and changing lanes.

õ The motorists have been advised to follow the traffic signals on the road and drive at the right end of the road and not in the middle.

õ They have also been instructed to leave double space than usual between two vehicles and be vigilant and alert for any possible mishap.

õ While driving under foggy conditions, motorists should keep themselves away from any distractions like mobile phones etc.

õ Motorists should be careful in listening and pay attention to any warnings and the road.

õ While driving, make sure that the window panes and mirrors are clean and use vipers.

õ If the fog is thick, motorists should stop the vehicles away from the road and vehicular traffic and turn the hazard lights on.

õ Motorists are also advised not to stop the vehicle on the road or they could get involved in a mishap leading to a serious pile up.

õ Motorists are advised not to speed, even if the fog starts clearing as the fog can get thick again.

õ One should not try to speed by overtaking a slow moving car and keep an eye on the speed.

õ If a motorist realizes that he is speeding, one should reduce it immediately.

õ Motorists have been advised to use low beam lights in poor visibility conditions.

õ Before starting a journey, motorists are advised to listen to the weather forecast bulletin and the condition of traffic.

õ They are advised to cancel the journey until the situation improves, the instructions said.

courtesy: Khaleej Times

Drunk driver gets co-driver jailed

Drunk driver gets co-driver jailed
By: Aditya Anand for Mid Day Mumbai

Mumbai:
The next time you are traveling with friends and know that the person at the wheel is drunk better stop him. Or else face the consequences.

In a first of its kind incident since Mumbai traffic police initiated the anti-drink-and-drive campaign in 2007, a co-passenger was booked and later ordered a day's simple imprisonment by the court for being aware that the driver was drunk and yet did not stop him from taking to the wheel.

Traffic police inspector, Mulund, Vinay Bagade informed that on February 4, the traffic police, during the anti-drink-and-drive campaign at Modella Check Naka in Mulund flagged down a Maruti Swift for checking.

As the driver Yogesh Bhoir (21) tested positive, the co-passenger Lokesh Gholap (22) was asked if he was aware that the driver had consumed alcohol; and he was violating the law by driving in a drunken condition. To this the co-passenger replied in the affirmative. Hence, the driver was booked under section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) and the co-passenger was booked under section 188 of the MVA.

Interestingly, Bhoir also did not possess a driving license. Since the duo abstained from visiting the court on February 5 summons were issued and they reported to the court on Wednesday.

Section 188 of the MVA, 1988 reads "Whoever abets the commission of an offence under section 184, 185 or 186 shall be punishable with the punishment provided for the offence."

Section 185 provides for a fine of up to Rs 2,000, suspension of driving license for minimum six months and; or imprisonment up to 6 months.

Book release - Cadeau - a guide to NRIs in UAE

Innovative and creative marriage invitation

I came across this innovative invitation the other day. Impressive.

I sincerely wish the couple a happy and blissful married life with the prayers and saying "the decision you make today are your tomorrow's destiny".

Motivation man sets 37th record

Motivation man sets 37th record

Express News Service First Published : 26 Jan 2009 02:56:00 AM Last Updated : 26 Jan 2009 BANGALORE:

Adding another feather to his cap, Guinness and Limca Book of Records holder S Ramesh Babu has set his 37th world record by motivating 1,00,154 Indians.

Babu told reporters here on Saturday that it took nine-and-a-half years through his 715 lecture programmes that were conducted in 220 institutions in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to establish the record.

Ramesh Babu, founder director of ‘Top of the World Centre for Excellence’, said that the main objective of the centre was to motivate people to excel in their chosen fields of interest by making them realise their potentials through 31 tailormade workshop modules developed by him.

The motivational programmes were held for students, teachers, parents, corporate employees and general public. Babu, who has received over 50,000 written feedback from his workshop participants, also delivered motivational lectures to people in rural areas and economically weaker sections. On January 7, Babu crossed the target of motivating one lakh people, achieving the unique record feat in just nine-and-a-half years, six months ahead of his set time target.

With this 37th world record, the total tally of his records now stand at 44, which include seven national records.

The Limca Book of Records has recognised Babu as the highest world records holder in India.

“The record set now will be sent to both Guinness and Limca Book of Records later this month and will become official in the coming edition of the Limca Book of Records,” Babu said.

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:

Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:

Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Craft Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.

All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.

More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.

Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009

Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:

Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:

Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.

All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.

More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.

Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.

Photo Speaks - A bright and cool morning

Keep track of Abu Dhabi Bus routes and it's progresss

Dear all,

The link below is the best suitable for keeping track of the progress of Abu Dhabi Bus.
The National Newspaper

Careers at THE NATIONAL

What an interesting progress by THE NATIONAL. From today onwards, they have a Careers page on Tuesday and Thursday. With the network and reach I am sure job seekers will have plenty of potential and real job openings in the region listed. Good going and keep coming out with more specials

Urgent Call for Action to Help the Children of Gaza

Dear Volunteer,

Dubai Cares is joining a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help alleviate the suffering of children in Gaza. There are approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza and Dubai Cares is asking for your help to support them in this time of need.

Here’s how you can help. Dubai Cares is currently recruiting volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the Children of Gaza. Approximately 150 participants are needed each day for this event as we are aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day. We would be honored if you could join us.

Dubai Cares will supply all of the items required for the kits and we need your help to pack and prepare them for shipping to the children of Gaza.

Date: Wednesday, January 14 through January 20, 2009

Venue: DIFC (Emperor Hall)

Timing(s):

· Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

· Friday January 16, 2009: 2:00 -6:00 p.m.

· Saturday January 17, 2009: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.


You are welcome to join us anytime. Please bring your friends and family to the venue during our working hours and we will put you to work. You can also help us spread the word by forwarding this email to others who you believe may want to help. We will have snacks and beverages available.

Should you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gaza@dubaicares.ae .

We hope you will be able to join with us to show solidarity for the children of Gaza.

Sincerely,

The Dubai Cares Team

Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality

Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009, 12:30

Dubai: The Quran Park, shaded walkways and rooftop greenery are some of the new projects approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad approved the projects after his visit to Dubai Municipality where he was given a presentation on the projects by the civic body's chief engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah.

Shaikh Mohammad also promoted Lootah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, to Director-General.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, was present on the occasion.

Lootah explained the components and targets of the vital projects including the Quran Park in Khawaneej. Shaikh Mohammad issued instructions to commence the implementation of the projects. He also approved the development of markets in remote areas.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the municipality and its capable Emirati employees.

The promotion came as a reward for the sincere efforts and constructive ideas of Lootah, who contributed to enhance the standard of civic services and oversaw the implementation of several ambitious projects.

Lootah expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the trust placed in him by Shaikh Mohammad.

He vowed that he would spare no effort to serve the nation and people. He noted that the municipality would go ahead and implement its development and service projects in the best interests of the nation.

As acting director-general of the Municipality, Lootah unveiled a strategic plan for the civic body (2007-2011) which was coordinated with the Dubai Strategic Plan for 2015.

His accomplishments during this period also included signing of twinning or partnership agreements with several cities worldwide including Barcelona (Spain), Busan (South Korea), Qingdao (China), and Lyon (France). He also signed strategic deals with local and federal agencies.

Works of impact

- Quran Park: The park to be built in the Khawaneej area will be the first educational cultural park of its kind. The 65-hectare park will be designed in a traditional way with pedestrian and cycling paths.

- Al Nahda and Al Mamzar Corniche developments: A pedestrian bridge will connect Al Nahda and Mamzar parks.

- Shaded pedestrian walks: The project aims to provide cool walkways for pedestrians on a number of open roads and markets.

Able administrator

Engineer Hussain Lootah has been appointed Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

As Acting Director General, Lootah managed the civic body, helped by a team of six assistants, who heads sectors consisting of 20 departments. Three departments and an independent office and section reported to him directly.

A civil engineering graduate from the US, Lootah began his career as an engineer with the Federal Ministry for Electricity and Water. He joined the municipality in 1985 as assistant head of a section, and was later promoted Drainage Department head.

He was appointed assistant director-general for Environment and Public Health Affairs with the departments of Public Health, Environment, Public Parks and Horticulture and Drainage and Irrigation reporting to him. In 2004, he was made the assistant director-general for Planning and Building Affairs to look after departments of the Planning and Survey, Building and Government Housing, Geographical Information Systems Centre and Statistics Centre.

Personal Note:
As a person who regularly participate in the HAVE YOUR SAY programme of Dubai Municipality and having been selected for the award from them for the last two years consecutively, I personally have very high regards for the efficient Administrative style and Innovative approach of Mr. Lootah. I wish him achieve many maure laurels in the coming years.

Ramesh Menon
08 01 2009

Visa medical centres witness big rush

Visa medical centres witness big rush
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Disease Prevention and Screening Centres in Abu Dhabi and Musafah under the Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) are experiencing long queues of applicants after announcing that medical checkups for visas will be done by them only.

They will offer extra services to keep up with an average of 3,000 people a day since they opened on January 5, Gulf News was told.

The first day witnessed a long queue of approximately 3,000 visa seekers and the number increased the next day to 3,200.

Dr Zainab Khazaal, the centres' manager, said that new and important steps are underway to ensure a smooth and fast experience for applicants.

One step is an express line for an extra Dh100 which will enable applicants to move rapidly through the process and this is due to begin in a few weeks.

Mobile clinics

"The procedure of taking the blood test, an X-ray and a general examination shouldn't take more than half an hour in the express line," she said.

Mobile clinics will also be introduced between June and September which will perform medical tests at a person's doorstep.

The long queues in the last few days were due to the time of the year, said Zainab. "It's the beginning of January, the beginning of the week and after a long vacation when both private and public companies were off, the large volume numbers were expected."

Hours

Before introducing medical checkup options for visa applicants, the centre operated from 7am to 3pm five days a week.

The timings increased from 7am to 6pm by November and again an extra hour was introduced in January (from 7am to 7pm six days a week, and on Saturdays by appointment only).

Ramesh Menon, who works in his company's paperwork legalisation process, said one of his co-workers arrived at the centre at 9am on Monday and waited in line without success.

"The next day she made it a point to reach the centre at 6.30am...she managed to finish everything by 11am, which given the pressure the centre is undergoing, is perfectly understandable," Menon said.

Availability

List of personnel

Staff members in the Abu Dhabi and Musafah Disease Prevention and Screening Centres:

- 15 screening physicians

- 13 X-ray technicians

-32 blood collection and laboratory staff

-30 clerks

UK scholarship for maid’s daughter

UK scholarship for maid’s daughter
Kiran Wadhwa, Hindustan Times Mumbai, January 08, 2009

Varalaxmi Pillai can probably be the best brand ambassador for Mumbai as the city of dreams. This 21-year-old’s luggage occupies quite a bit of her tiny Kanjurmarg house.

She is preparing for her first trip abroad. She will be flying to London to start her one-year masters programme in international management, something that no one in her family had ever dreamed of. Her father, a factory worker, passed
away when she was five and her mother worked as a domestic help.

Two months ago she filled out an application for the University of Westminster with her qualifications and wrote out an essay with her goals. “All through my study years I had to depend on others for my textbooks and occasionally even clothes but now I my dreams have been realised,” she said.

After her father’s death, Meher Moos, India’s intrepid traveller now a consultant with Thomas Cook, became her guardian and helped get her funds for her education. They were borne largely by the Thodumal Shahani Trust and other beneficiaries.

She is also one of the first to receive the Sheriff’s Scholarship, which was instituted by Sheriff Indu Shahani in collaboration with universities in the UK and US.

Amrita TV Forum - TOP 10 Posters Award for 2008

Gulf News bags environment award

Gulf News bags environment award
By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter 06 January 2009

Dubai: The "Go Green" campaign has earned Gulf News a prestigious award for its coverage of environmental pollution, events and initiatives in the UAE.

The Outstanding Environmental Publication award will be presented to Gulf News next week as part of the Environment, Health and Safety Awards 2008 organised by the Ports, Customs and Freezone.

The newspaper has been recognised for its continuous efforts to create awareness about environmental issues. It carried articles on the environment and engaged in public outreach and dialogue with readers.

Gulf News Editor-in- Chief Abdul Hamid Ahmad said the award was appreciated and environmental issues here and internationally will continue to be reported on.

Gulf News initiated the "Go Green" campaign on the heels of its "Say No To Plastic Bag" drive, which supported the reduction in use of plastic in daily life.

During eight months of awareness-building within the community, jute bags were distributed to its readers.

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10273115.html

Congratulations GULF NEWS