Singers are still in harmony

Topics include Fifth Harmony, ties with India, reading, refugees, yoga and the internet

Members of the American girl group Fifth Harmony.Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

I am happy that my favourite band is still together (More Fifth Harmony albums on the way, says Kordei, February 10).

They are among the best performers to come to the UAE; they know how to put on a show.

U Kulsum, Dubai

Reading opens up the world

I refer to Saif Al Manei's article The majlis: Reading can help to build a country (February 12).

In today’s hustle and bustle, not many people seem to be interested in educating themselves. Partly due to the advent of e-learning, the habit of reading has declined.

Some children don’t know what’s happening around the world because they are so obsessed with television, playing games and fiddling with their trendy smartphones.

It is, therefore, the duty of parents to revive the reading culture. Reading is a lifelong gift that your children will be able to cherish forever.

They say that there are thousands of ways to nurture a child’s mind, but none is better than reading, whether it be a newspaper or a book.

A child who reads is bound to have a multidimensional personality. He or she will stand apart from the crowd on the sheer basis of knowledge and understanding.

Many parents tell me that their children love to read comics, but I urge them to further encourage their children to read adventure and fantasy stories or motivational books.

Through reading, a child will develop a more vivid imagination. Children who read are also like to have a much stronger bond with their parents and be able to relate better to others in society.

It's never too late to start. I wish everyone happy reading. Matthew Litty, Dubai

One good way to get children to read is through personalised books where the hero of the story has the same name as the child.

These books can be ordered online. Name withheld by request

Indian visit just the beginning

I was pleased to see your article about the growing closeness between the UAE and my home country (UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed sounds closing bell on successful trip to India, February 13).

In the coming years, the two countries will have a very strong relationship.

K Ragavan, India

Indians are so happy that Sheikh Mohammed has visited our country.

Let the UAE and India continue to have amicable relations and that they do more great things for the benefit of both nations. Kennedy Prakash, India

Syrian refugees can help Turkey

I believe that Vladimir Putin is a regressive leader ('500 dead' in Russian-backed offensive in northern Syria, February 12).

He put the Russian economy in a free fall for his adventure in Crimea and now he is desperate to deliver any kind of success.

I also think it’s wrong for the Turkish leadership to talk about Syrian refugees as a burden. The people of Aleppo are among the brightest, most highly skilled and most creative people in Syria.

Aleppo is the jewel of Syria, just like Istanbul is the jewel of Turkey.

Instead of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying how much the refugees are going to cost Turkey, he should think how much they are going to benefit Turkey and make the country richer.

Name withheld by request

Yoga is good for you at any age

I enjoyed reading the article, Tao ­Porchon-Lynch, a 97-year-old yoga teacher, shares her secrets ahead of Dubai visit (February 11).

She is an inspiration not only for all women, but for everyone. The earlier you start doing yoga, the more benefit you will get.

Yoga comprises physical and psychological workouts. If you practise yoga regularly, you can keep yourself fit, healthy, balanced, flexible and strong – even into your old age. Nayeema H, Costa Rica

Forget school, just get online

Let's just do away with school and have everyone use the internet for everything they need to know (Test answers? Let me Google them, February 11).)

Think of all the money and time we will save. Learning is so antiquated. I can’t wait to be in an operating theatre and have my surgeon ask Google what to do next.

Dave Nelson, Dubai