FROM DAY ONE of its launch, Deccan Chronicle has stood for serious Journalism and carried truthful reports without fear or favour. I always preferred. Deccan Chronicle for its in-depth political reporting.I congratulate the Editor and .the paper's dedicated team of journalists for its success. Keep the flag flying and keep up the true spirit of journalism.

Hearty congratulations to Deccan Chronicle on completing two years in Bengaluru. The paper has been highlighting several issues of public importance which has helped it earn accolades in a sort span of time. The sincere efforts put in by the dedicated team working behind the scenes should be lauded We wish them all the best.

My greetings and best wishes for Mr M J Akbar on being appointed as Minister of State for external affairs ,governmnet of India , I am sure his rich experience will greatly benefit to nation.

Sir, The birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind singh ji, the last Sikh Guru, and the founder of the Khalsa panth is being celebrated as "Prakash Utsav" not only in India but globally wherever our Sikh brothers reside,Guru Gobind singh was the tenth Nanak or the last of Sikh Guru to live,afterwards Guru granth sahib was the 11th Guru, and Final and last, eternal living guru.

Guru Gobind Singh was a great warrior who fought for the unity and integrity of the country, whose great sacrifices had no parallel in the history of Mankind ,he was epitome of great sacrifices and a perfect example of a saint, a soldier, and a scholar who gave new direction to the religion, governed by ethos of spirituality and plurity, his teachings even had inspired mankind 350 years ago

His efforts to eradicate casteism is great source of inspiration for countrymen, as casteism is ruling in India in all walks of life. His teachings have inspired the Sikh community and others for generations, the Sikh community celebrates this great day by starting with prayers at gurdwaras and with remembering the words of wisdom of Guruji

On this day, Vice president of India Mr Hamid Ansari said that he was a great warrior, spiritual guru and scholar. Whose life resonates with universal message that masses can always be motivated against tyrants rulers, he also fought against religion bigotry and against ills of society like casteism, intolerance and social cohesiveness.

Today world over, fundamental elements are fighting,hence Guruji Gobind Singhji’s teachings to the mankind are even more relevant, they should be followed by all us to enrich the life of human beings and for promoting peace and harmoney,we should all strive to live coherently to shape a new era of national Integration.

Congratulations to the Indian hockey team for their spectacular victory in the Asian Champions Trophy over arch rivals Pakistan. The victory has proved that hockey still has a great future. Before cricket become as popular as it is today, it was hockey which won us six Olympic gold’s in a row from the late 1920s to 1956. But giving a paltry sum of Rs 25,000 as prize money to our hockey players was an insult to them.

Hockey is our national game despite the popularity cricket enjoys and deserves a better due.

This glorious win by the Indian men’s hockey team at the Incheon edition of the Asian Games, after 16 years, was something the entire nation was waiting for with bated breath.

In this thrilling, but nerve -wracking match, India beat Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shootout to clinch the coveted hockey gold.

The last time India won gold was in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. This triumph ensures a berth for our team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is indeed a matter of great pride and a big morale booster for our players. Team India deserves accolades.

We all hope the Olympics will result in another golden glory in 2016 and that the team will work hard in this remaining time to make this goal achievable.

I wish to congratulate and extend Ramadan greetings to all the rulers of the UAE. I would also like to wish the Editor-in-chief, staff members of Gulf News, and my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of starting the Holy Month of Ramadan. Every year, Ramadan begins in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar, the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims worldwide observe a month-long fast called Roza from sunrise to sunset to commemorate this month. Devout Muslims read the verses of the Holy Quran, offer their prayers to Allah, and take part in philanthropic activities.

Here's wishing you and your family peace, harmony, happiness, good health, and prosperity—Ramadan Mubarak to you and everyone at home.

From Mr Ramesh G Jethwani

Bangalore, India.

(ii) Ramadan Greetings(Ramadan Mubarak.

Sir,I wish to congratulate and extend my greetings to the the President of UAE,H H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Crown prince of Abu Dhabi H H Sheikh Mohmmed BIn Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and all His Highness the Rulers of Emirates of UAE, also to the Editor in chief, staff members of Gulf News and my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of starting of Holy Month of Ramadan.

Every year,Ramadan starts in the ninth month of Islamic calendar or Hijri calendar, the month in which the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad,Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the important five pillars of Islam. Fasting starts before fajr prayers and ends in the evening at Iftar.

This Year,Holy and blessed Month of Ramadan, begins on 13th April , in most of the countries,it is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar,It involves abstaining from eating ,drinking,smoking and other worldly things from dawn to sunset, hoping that fasting and praying in this holy month will lead to greater consciousness of Almighty God,also in Ramadan month,Muslims are obliged to refrain from sinful behaviour,otherwise Allah may negate the reward of fasting to them.

During the month of Ramadan,fasting(Roza) is obligatory from dawn to sunset for children, both boys and girls, above 12 years of age who are mentally and physical fit and not travelling and as long as it does not cause them physical or mental harm

The month of Ramadan also known for self purification and blessings where Muslims not only fast from sunrise to sunset but also devote more time for prayers,recite the Holy Quran,attend large religious congregational prayers in mosques in the evenings known as Taraweeh,one sees them engaging in all possible good deeds like offering prayers at scheduled time with full devotion and completely abstaining from bad thoughts and deeds.

Generally fasting for 12-13 hours without water or food looks difficult but those who follow this tradition of Islam enjoy it immensely as fasting during Ramadan brings them blessings of Allah Almighty, spirituality, better understanding of human life, equality, brotherhood, self confidence and patience in life,after Sunset prayer(Maghrib) when it rings from minarets, then it is time for fast breaking meal,known as Iftar meal, traditionally fresh dates and water or tea--which is followed by actual meal.

Allah has promised to its followers that fasting during Ramadan will bring them spiritual uplift, blessings in their life and good deeds and action will bring them plenty of reward and Allah will answers their prayers and also pardon their mistakes.

In Islam,Charity has always been very important way of life,and even more so during Ramadan,In Ramadan,Muslims also engaged in increased prayer and charity, In Ramadan there are two types of charities, one is Zakat that entails distribution of certain percentage of wealth/income to the poor and needy and other is fitra to be given at the end of Ramadan to offset any shortfall during fasting,In the month of Ramadan,nights are always bustling with activity--families ,visit each other and people visit shopping places and souks ,which are open late till wee hours of morning,

A happy Ramadan to everybody,Ramadan Mubarak.

Saina Nehwal's bronze medal at 2012 London Olympics in bad brought laurels to the nation. i victory, she has even overshadowed some of India's great Olympians like Milkha Singh, G.S. Randhawa and P.T. Usha, all of whom qualified for the final in their respective events but ended up without a medal.

One hopes sporting communities suitably honour her and encourage more youngsters to achieve their dreams in the future Games.

Sir — This refers to Pankaj Advani’s glorious win of the 11th World Billiards Championship title. In this thrilling but nerve-wracking match, Advani left the spectators spellbound with his prolific display of the game and defeated the multiple world champion Peter Gilchrist by six games to three, to wrap up his 16th world title overall.

While we pay much attention towards cricket, games like billiards too deserve better attention. Advani has brought glory to the entire nation.