Feature - Person Profile

December 1, 2009
634 words

The Man Who Dared to Dream

Flipping through the classified section of the newspaper, Nixon John sits in his Qusais flat that he shares with two others. Nixon came to Dubai in 2007. After a long waiting period where he anxiously ran from one interview to another, Nixon landed a job as a documentation assistant at an Italian Construction company here in Dubai. For the past two years, Nixon’s company had been assigned the project of improving the Al Ra’a Street, near the Burj Dubai. Funded by the RTA, the company felt the strong tremors of the recession as the project was abandoned halfway through. Nixon and his other colleagues have been given a 20 day time period to leave the country. In spite of all these problems drifting above his head, Nixon looks surprisingly cheery.

Before coming to Dubai, 37 year old Nixon, was a videographer in Kerala. The camera is Nixon’s first love.He started out with a photo studio of his own in Kerala. With steady requests to cover weddings and other occasions, he began to form his own dreams of becoming a big shot cinematographer. He has done various jobs for movie sets and soap operas who shot around his hometown. In the field of video production, he started out as a spot boy to gradually grab the position of cameraman for the videos of two music albums. “Both the albums are huge hits in Kerala” he says, brimming with pride. “I looked for a job in Production here” he says. “But I knew, with my lack of knowledge and education, finding a job like that is almost impossible. A friend of mine got me into this company. Work was hard, but the pay was good”. He has a wife back in Kerala and flies back to meet her once a year. “A steady job like this one allowed me to keep my family in India happy. They were never too happy about my videography.” He says with guilty pleasure.

“In Kerala, we would rent out equipment to college kids who are studying Television. For a small price we assist them in polishing up their work, which always gets them perfect marks. “ He says. With ten years of experience behind him, Nixon has made contacts in high end places. “Biju and I studied together”, he says. The Biju that Nixon casually refers to is Biju Scaria of the Asianet network, the number one among Malayalam channels. Biju Scaria, with his humble beginnings is one of the most powerful men in Malayalam Television. “If he can make it big, so can I” says Nixon confidently. Commenting on the loss of his job, Nixon looks at this event as a blessing in disguise. “This is God’s way of telling me to go back behind the camera, where I truly belong”. He says, his veined sunburnt hand tightening over the cross dangling from a rosary across his neck. “I thought about this for many days, I know this field involves a lot of hard work that doesn’t necessary result in heavy pay. I have a family to support as well. But I truly enjoy and love my work as a videpgrapher”

His graying temples tell of a hard life, one potholed with struggles. With an overwhelmingly cheery spirit, he spreads a certain warmth around him, wherever he goes. His brown eyes tell the story of a boy trapped inside the confines of a man burdened with responsibilities. A boy who dares to dream big. “I will make it big one day”, he repeats. And with that we leave him, flipping through the classifieds hunting for jobs. It is not everyday that one witnesses men like him who chooses to be a ray of hope splicing through every cloud of gloomy doubt that the path of life is pockmarked with.

Feature - 38th UAE National Day

December 3, 2009
793 words

Colors of a Nation

The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates was written on December 2, 1971. The day saw the rulers of the seven emirates stringing a thread through all the emirates to make it the united nation it is today. Thirty-eight years later, the nation takes a moment to reflect upon the hard work and perseverance that went into transforming the then arid land into the pride of the Middle East.

Cars painted with the national colors and symbols
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

There are over 200 nationalities of diverse cultural backgrounds living in the UAE. Most expats living in UAE come from Southern Asian countries — such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. The UAE’s expat community also includes people the UK, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. UAE has a speedy development rate, with new buildings and roads springing up every month. A country on such a fast pace to development needs all the hands it can get. By creating favorable conditions for expatriates, Dubai lures them in with its promises of healthy and comfortable style of living. Dubai has a thriving population of experts, and continues to attract more over the years with promises of tax exemption. Dubai has always welcomed expats with open arms and the expats have held on tight. It is one of the most rapidly developing urban centers in the world, and one of the only cities where expats far outnumber the locals.

Abraham George has lived in the UAE since the 1970’s. Having come here with three shirts in his beaten up suitcase, George reminisces about the days gone by. “The UAE offered me plenty of career opportunities I did not have access to back in my country. Thirty years ago, Dubai was known only for its pearl diving and its gold markets. Now it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. I remember when the trade center was the tallest building for miles and miles around. Today it is dwarfed by all the other buildings on Shaikh Zayed Road.”

Today UAE is losing its hold over the expats, Increasing rents and unstable jobs have resulted in many expatriates packing their bags and moving on in search of greener pastures. “UAE isn't quite the heaven it used to be” says George. Rents have recently risen, People need job security and need to be able to afford the high cost of living that Dubai offers.

Bringing their joy to the streets of Dubai
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Bernadette Dsilva, who came to UAE from the Philippines 10 years ago says, “Dubai has given me opportunities to do things and go to places I wouldn't even dream of. We live and breathe in such a multi-cultural hub. Celebrating the national day alongside the Emirati people makes me happy and proud to be a part of this nation”

Ali Asgar, a student from Pakistan has been born and brought up in the UAE. He holds that the general feeling of apathy among most expatriates towards National Day celebrations stems from a trait to associate themselves as belonging to the place they are born. “I love the UAE, because I have lived here all my life. I know more about the history and culture of this place than I do about Pakistan, my hometown. I love the place and this is the place I want to raise my own family. Thirty eight years and growing, this place has given me everything I have today. But I understand that a large number of my friends feel nothing for the nation, as they do not feel one with the UAE like I do.”

On the second of December, the nation was painted in its national colors, with buildings, streets, cars and even people in the national red, black, green and white. While the nationals sped around the streets in decorated cars, waving their high in the air, expats enjoyed their day off.

Prasanth Pantheeradth and his wife Deepa moved to the UAE six months ago and are delighted with the sights of National Day Celebrations. “The people here celebrate with so much pomp and joy. You don’t get to see sights like these elsewhere, where a people, who are usually so calm and composed take a day to truly celebrate their joy in style.” The couple tried to step onto Mamzar Corniche in a bid to see the rally. “We were stuck in traffic amongst a hoard of others who wanted to catch a glimpse of the very same sights.”

With dark clouds of debt looming above them, the people of the nation seem to have outdone themselves. Be it spray painting their cars, or wearing their national colors, the locals have pulled out all stops in this years celebration. The UAE flags that flutter high across the nation on this joyous day represent the peace, strength, courage and hope of the Emirati people.

Colors of the nation..
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Feature - Eid-Al-Adha

Feature
November 30, 2009
771 words

Fellowship of Faith.

At the end of the Hajj), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God, including the life of his son Ishmael. Joyous occasions such as Eid are to be spent with quality time with our family. Festivals are designed in such a way that one gets to meet everybody and perform rituals together, which in turn promotes social unity and brotherhood. As commercialization and the materialism associated of festivals increases, one often forgets the true spirit of festivals, the ties of blood.

The carefully selected sacrificial offering
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Akmel Mohammed, is the head of a family of four. This family eagerly looks forward to spending Eid together. “This is our last Eid together as a fami ly” says Fatima, the mater of the household. “My daug hter Mumtaz is getting married and this is the last time she will spend it with us.” While Akmel and his son Asad attend morning prayers and sacrifice an animal in an act known as qurbani, the women of the house clean and decorate the house, while the air is pungent with the aroma of rich festival food. The family puts on their new clothes and visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. “It is essential that one spend Eid with their family. At prayers we usually look out for those who look like they are alone and invite them to spend Eid with us. With Mumtaz leaving, we know the value of family and we know that spending Eid alone can be difficult.”

Young and old alike deck up for the festivities
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

While a large number of people spend Eid with their families, there are an equal number spending it away from home. They are e ither new immigrants or bachelors spending the festival away from relatives and friends. Mr Qasim Yasser is a security guard in Qusais. With a family of six waiting for him in Bangladesh, he informs them with a heavy heart that he plans to spend Eid away from his family yet again. “This is my fourth year away from home. I have sent my family money and a few gifts for them to celebrate the festival. My children will call me on Eid to listen to my voice. I miss spending Eid with my family. People don’t realise how lucky they are to be able to spend this festival with their loved ones. I would rather spend it with my family but for now this will have to do.” On being asked what he misses the most about spending Eid at home, Yasser says “The Eid day feast is to die for. My wife makes the best Shahi Mutton Biriyanis and Savaya, a sweet dish made of vermicelli. ”

The hotchpotch of cultures

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Riyaz Khan and his wife Shruti are a happily married couple who have lived in the UAE for all fifteen of their married life together. With hindu decorations hanging over their door, the doors open to an interreligious family like theirs celebrates religious festivals with a twist. “As I don’t give Qurbani, I put asi de a certain amount of money every year for the poor instead” says Khan. Khan has put a stop on the annual sacrifice as he has health issues with his back. “People are always unsure of how to wish us on religious festivals.” Says Ankita, their thirteen year old daughter, with a wry grin. “We celebrate Eid like every other Muslim family.” says Shruti. “We dress up in new clothing, we visit neighbours, my husband attends the sermons and prayers, Ankita receives Eidi. But we also have our daily puja, even on the day of Eid.” The Khans have visitors every Eid, and they sit around the table to feast on biryani and countless other delicacies as the dining table is loaded with the best of foods from both the cultures. After lunch we usually have small gatherings where we have folk songs and games for the children. The family makes it a point to visit far away relatives, and other members of family that they don’t have time to visit on other days.

Festival of color and joy
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Unfortunately, things are changing and not for the better. An increasing number of nuclear families threaten the unity and sanctity of homes. Material progress and financial independence lure individuals away from familial ties. Immigrant communities are often in a hurry to leave behind their ethnic identities. One wonders as to how these individuals fare in the constant tug of war between materialism and religious ethnic ties.

Opinion - Images Around Us

October 4, 2009

370 words

Because They Said So

Images are all around us, some symbolic and others as direct as can be. As we overtake one another in the sordid race towards materialistic hell, one forgets what its like to slow down and smell the roses. The intricate beauty of images around us, the stories they weave, the morals they preach and the auguries they bring.

The unsteady steps of individual thought
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Images are here to stay. Their functions differ from situation to situation. They maybe used to organize, to instruct, to promote and influence thought. Modeling our lives on the stereotypes forced upon us by these commercial images has now become the norm. We’ve have lost our individuality and nobody seems to mind much. The handful few who swim against the current to wave their flags of individualism are either frowned upon or hailed as prodigies.

The Power of Association
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Somewhere among the mickle of street signs and flashing neon’s, we’ve forgotten the purpose of images. What started as a simple reproduction of the things humans see around them, today images are the life of the corporate world. We built our lives on the images around us. These teach us how to live. This incessant spoon feeding has led to a slow death of the individual thought. The eye is conditioned to seek out elements that stand out from the rest of the image. We see beauty in disorder, in a riot of images and colours. What one needs to remember is that we shouldn’t let images rule our thinking. The rebellious saplings of individual thought that try to push its way through the muck of commercialization are to be nurtured and cared for.

Conditioning through Images
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Images today have a fixed definition of perfection. Humans have been conditioned to emulate these portrayed images. This is only an illusion, yet we work so hard to get to that place. This pursuit gives us direction in life. It gives meaning to these long and endless days of hard work. We give up so much to try and achieve perfection. So much that we overlook the small joys in life. Stroll through life rather than run past it. Stop and smell the roses. Take it in, life in all its fullness. The futile chase after perfection can wait.

Things aren't always as they seem
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Feature - Person Profile

November 22, 2009
771 words

Spools of the Sartor

The Sher Khan Tailoring in Al Qusais 1 is flanked by laundry shops on either side. The store windows are a charming display of mannequins in sparkly clothing. Hailing from Pakistan, Mr Raza Akbar, a tailor by profession, captures the right cut with precision. Akbar works away on his Eid orders, his sharp eyes keeping a close watch on the overhead clock. Gesturing towards the pile of cloth material next to him, Akbar says he is loaded with work. “Festivals means people have to dress themselves in new clothes” he says in rudimentary English.

Raza Akbar at work

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Festivals and special occasions see tailoring shops bustling with people who wish to get their attire sewn. People spend more during festivals and therefore, often choose to deck themselves in new clothing. This spending reflects their joy and celebration of the festival at hand.
Situated in a predominantly expatriate residential location, Akbar’s shop reaps the benefits of a people whose festivals are spread out through the year. Be it Diwali, Christmas or even the Eid festivals, Akbar and his helpers are busy throughout the year. Having snuffed the flame out on the Diwali season, when Akbar’s shop was filled to bursting with heavily embroidered traditional Indian outfits; Akbar now prepares for the Eid-Al-Adha rush.

The Tailor's best friends

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

He shows off a pile of cloth material that he prepares to work on. The most popular Eid outfit among expatriates, according to Akbar is the Salwar Kameez, a shirt and trouser combo, favoured by both men and women alike. He also receives plenty of orders for custom made Abayas, the traditional Arab dress, often embellished with rhinestones and lace.
Tailoring shops earn huge profits on these festivals, with the Sher Khan Tailors earning about 25% of their annual revenue at the Eid festivals. “Once the Eid rush dies down, then comes the Christmas and New Year orders” says Akbar cheerfully. Christmas season sees ladies queuing up to get their gowns made, often carrying photos of the dresses they desire. “They all want to look like movie stars”, says Akbar with a smile.

Finished garments adorn the store windows
Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

“We get about 20 to 50 customers daily, This number goes up when it is festival time.” says Akbar as he sorts out the various clothes and measures them. “Prices have gone up, and we have increased our service charges, but the people still continue to come here to stitch their clothes.” The economic downturn has done nothing to dampen the spirits of a people determined to celebrate these festivals.

Festival season ensures that Akbar has a lot of work to do, with customers hounding him to give priority to their orders above others. “Ladies often give me sweets and food items to try and get their dresses done first.” But Akbar swears by a strict first come first serve policy.

“People come to the shop with the cloth material they like, with a photo or a drawing of the design they wish to have made. Some customers explain the designs verbally.” Says Akbar, who plays an important role in decking up his customers for the festivals.

Loaded with work at festival time

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

People today choose to splurge on ready made garments in order to avoid the extra effort of getting a custom made outfit. When asked about the competition from ready made clothes, he shrugs it off saying “People are always going to get clothes sewn, because tailored clothes suit their body and their taste. Ready made clothes do not have that magic. There will always be work for me”, he says with a grin. Custom made outfits are designed to fit one’s choice. They give the wearer total control over the outfit. Be it the selection of fabric, the design and the fitting, the choice rests in the hands of the customer. Custom-made outfits are made to last a very long time, thereby brushing away all fears of the looming threat from the ready made clothing industry.

“I would love to celebrate Eid with my family in Pakistan” says Akbar who hasn’t been home in four years. He shows a tattered photo of his family of four. His three kohl eyed children grinning with uncertainty at the camera. “I cant be with them because there is so much work to do here. But at least this way I can earn for them to have a happy Eid.”

The wind-chimes above the store door tinkle to mark the entry of another customer. We leave Akbar as he threads the needle to breathe life into yet another creation made of cloth.

Colored spools

Photo Credits: Blassy Boben

Feature - Recycling

September 30, 2009

432 words

Recycling : The Pyrrhic Victory

In his haste to jump off the cliff of material wealth, man has shamelessly exploited our natural resources. The earth is falling apart gradually. Recycling is hailed to be the way out because it is the only solution to environmental issues so far. There is no straightforward way of recycling metal, plastic and even defunct appliances. Since not all of it has exchange value. Most people believe that their disposed garbage is not their responsibility. Once out of their homes, the garbage becomes the governments problem, Large scale recycling is supposedly an efficient and profitable national system for saving the environment. Everybody is recycling but only out of government force, not a voluntary choice. There are a few however who bow to their conscience and make attempts at recycling.

The overall purpose of recycling is not to make our lives more convenient or save us time. It is intended to slow down our consumption of limited natural resources. These resources include landfill space.

Recycling trucks and operating and maintaining sorting machinery takes up a good amount of resources. Recycling is not economical. It costs more to recycle paper than to just make it. All energy has associated costs, and almost all resources are limited. Electrical goods can be dangerous if they end up in landfill sites. Recycling and reusing them is a suggested measure but even these have limited shelf lives.

Recycling seems to be everywhere these days. Supermarkets offer reusable bags and recycling bins in their doorways. Offices churn out a large amount of used paper on a daily basis. Mr. Hussain Qureshi, an office goer says, “It's a shame to see these quality paper reduced to waste. “Here at work we try to recycle as much as we can. We use the reduction feature on the photocopiers to fit more information on a page, We properly dispose of our used paper in the local recycling bins. In my old office we used to give off our old magazines and donate out-of-date stationery to local charitable groups or hospitals, clinics or nursing homes” But not everybody recycles. There is an almost negligible demand for recycled goods that are being resold. The reasons behind this could be many. People throw away recyclables all the time because they can't be bothered. This could also be attributed to a lack of information about proper garbage disposal. Some individuals or organizations engage in recycling to appease their consciences.

Recycling is a waste of time, money, and has zero positive environmental impact. Though expensive, Recycling will remain until another effective waste disposal alternative comes our way.