I am writing in response to the letter published under the title ‘Respect elders’ time’. I fully agree with the writer. Imagine making senior citizens wait for an hour. When politicians themselves set such a poor example of punctuality, we can hardly expect better from government officials.
I recall attending a Gram Sabha once that started two hours late. Punctuality is perhaps the second thing Indians lack the most; the first is civic sense. Whether it is a government office, a corporate office or simply everyday life, being on time is rarely valued. Even public transport is seldom punctual.
A delay of five to 10 minutes is understandable and can be condoned. But anything beyond that reflects a lack of consideration for others and suggests that the person simply does not care about other people’s time. Time is precious, and respecting it means respecting people.
Alwyn Fernandes, Benaulim
