A reader says it's time for Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan to retire.Other topics; child deaths, trains, democracy and modest dress.

SRK should retire, a reader says.
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Nations must join forces to address child death rates

It was disturbing to read Global child death rates still unacceptably high, say WHO and Unicef (September 16).

The statistic for India – 1.4 million child deaths last year – was an especially shocking one.

I believe that United Nations member states should come together to tackle this issues.

Children are the future assets of a nation.

K Ragavan, India

Indian superstar may be on wane

I am writing about Straight from giddy fans: Why SRK is king (September 18).

Shah Rukh Khan has been offering up the same monotonous acting style for decades, with the same postures and same dance moves.

I also find it irritating having to listen to people who are crazy about SRK.

It is time for him to retire; not everyone can have a long career like Amitabh Bacchhan.

Moiz SA, Sharjah

Metro expansion would help arts

I am writing in reference to Rail the right track for future transport (September 15).

I would love to ditch my car. Driving is very stressful in Dubai and terrible for the environment too.

I wish that the metro made more stops. For example, I’m enthusiastic about art and I go to Al Quoz nearly every day.

There is no way to get there by metro without also having to hustle for a cab. Unfortunately, this limits the number of visitors to the arts district.

Name withheld by request

Does democracy bring a good life?

I wonder whether the recent killings in the United States and sex crimes in India can be attributed to the negative aspects of a parliamentary democracy.

The advocates of freedom in the US do not want legislation against the availability of arms. Guns can be bought in shops or ordered online without a licence and no questions are asked.

Any proposals to bring in laws concerning the behaviour of juveniles or about modest dressing are ridiculed and condemned as Taliban-style moral policing.

The pressure groups advocating a free society without moral behaviour codes oppose traditions and the implementation of restraints by the courts of law. Yet, these people do not take responsibility for sex crimes and other misdeeds. Is such a democracy healthy? CS Pathak , India

Quality is better than branding

I refer to Ujala Ali Khan's column, Desi Girl: search for perfection has an ironic twist (September ).

What she says is so true. Nowadays, everything is made in China, but with a price tag that suggests it’s from Germany or the UK.

I have some clothes bearing a tag that says “Made in Bangladesh” and the quality is unbeatable – even when compared with the poshest brands that are available here in the UAE.

The price was so cheap that I am embarrassed to even mention it.

The garment industry is changing. It’s no longer about brand or origin, it’s all about quality.

Name withheld by request

Modest dress is a matter of choice

I refer to My niqab, and why I wear it (September 19).

Every woman is free to choose what is best for her.

Maram Mihalache , Abu Dhabi

We must all help conserve water

I am writing about the editorial Conservation can tackle water threat (September 19).

lt is very worrying to read about the water scarcity. Everyone living in this region should take this warning very seriously.

We have become very complacent about a basic necessity of life. We do not realise that there may be a day in the near future when we have to ration drinking water.

It is very sad to see people waste water in public washrooms. How many of us realise that our individual efforts to conserve water can make a big difference?

We can begin by using water judiciously in our houses and by ensuring that our children and other family members do the same.

Water is a very precious resource and we should be aware that every drop counts.

Iris Smith, Abu Dhabi