Nalanda’s revival a matter of pride

Readers hail the efforts to revive the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar. Other topics: Fujairah, excavations, airline passenger, Al Wahda Mall, caste system

Readers hail the efforts to revive the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, India. Prashant Ravi / AP Photo

The restoration of Nalanda University marks a giant step forward (Reincarnation of medieval Indian university Nalanda University, September 11). Let us hope that more ancient seats of learning in India will be restored in the future.

Pakistan is also part of our shared heritage and it would be great to see Taxila in Rawalpindi restored in a similar fashion. These two institutions can be turned into classic examples of modern institutions for science, humanities and the arts, if only we want it that way. Doing that would be wonderful steps to unlearn all the negatives that have seeped into our minds and rejuvenate our intellectual horizons.

Cyrus M, Abu Dhabi

I am happy that Nalanda University is going to resume its operations after eight centuries. The students currently taking classes at the university should be proud of being part of this historical institution that endured the test of time.

Name withheld by request

The news revives memories of the golden days of this ancient centre for learning. But the government has paid little attention to existing universities, which is reflected in academic activities in the country, as well as in the poor academic infrastructure. We also witness anarchy on university campuses across India.

Vidur Raghav, India

Exercise caution over excavations

I am astonished to know that 80 families – about 300 people – were living in the building affected by a road collapse in Abu Dhabi’s Khalidiyah area (Emirates Red Crescent helps victims of Abu Dhabi road collapse, September 11). The concerned authorities have taken the right decision by evacuating the building as a precautionary measure since it is no longer safe for tenants to stay. However, this incident calls for the authorities to be vigilant with regard to excavation work being carried out across the capital. It is just sad that so many families have been displaced as a result of this incident.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Passenger’s action is regrettable

I don’t know how many times I heard about similar incidents (‘Man told flight attendant I’ll kill you and chop you off’, September 11). I think airlines should stop serving alcohol to passengers.

I feel sorry for the victim, but I also feel sorry for the passenger who didn’t realise the consequences of his actions.

J Smith, Dubai

New road will ease traffic

I am sure commuters will be relieved when the road works are complete in the Al Wahda Mall area (Road works expected to ease access to Al Wahda Mall, September 14).

Apart from congestion, the bus stop dedicated to the shopping complex posed a visual obstruction for drivers exiting the mall. Another shortcoming was the lack of sunshades for bus passengers. These two issues, I hope, will be resolved.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Caste system is a deep-rooted issue

I applaud KK Bose on his endeavour to eradicate the caste system in India (Dubai lawyer writes to Indian government demanding abolition of the caste system, September 12).

The article brought to light some information about how it all began. However, my opinion is that the caste system is just another form of one group feeling more privileged than another. The problem is more deep-rooted than we can imagine.

What do we do about men being allowed to treat women like objects, some people getting preferential treatment for no apparent reason and labourers living and working in challenging conditions in many parts of the world? I personally have yet to know of a place where everyone is treated equally.

Clemy Fernandes, Dubai