Indian Punctuality

Amidst one of my deep thoughts, I have been reminiscing an anecdote from my past. I still remember the day when my English lecturer pointed one of the latecomers to class and identifying his conduct with the term 'Indian Punctuality'. Although the real intent behind this remark is sardonic, the implications of this epithet were far more severe than what we perceive in its first look.

Coming late to class-> Indian punctuality; late to meeting at office-> Indian punctuality; late to an event-> Indian guest & Indian Punctuality; this impression has been so hackneyed that Its now being attributed to very DNA of anything and everything that is tardy.

Before concurring to this Idea and flaunting It proudly, lets think for a moment and question ourselves-I mean, who are we kidding here??

This premise not only derogates you, me and a ton of others but also - A nation that homes one billion people; A nation that nurtured discipline since Vedic times; And as a matter of fact, A nation that gave birth to one of the first civilizations of mankind;

Now, being born as Indian we may not be obligated to die for the country (like jawans who fought kargil). We need not starve to bring about change and revolutions to improvise this country. But we could at least stop propagating this ridiculous notion that inadvertently disparages everyone around us. We can at least tell a friend who paraphrases this to give it a second thought before belittling himself and his nation. We can at least adapt a little discipline in our lives and show this world that we hail from same country that is epitome of some of history's greatest literary and art works.

For one moment, kindly feed this food for your thought.

'Indian Punctuality' - Is this what the great freedom fighters who spilled their blood for our country envisioned?? Is this what you intend to leave to your children as legacy??

(Written on eve of commemorating India’s 63rd Republic day)