100 Reasons I love America: #11 Being on Time
Today, I attended a Carnatic vocal recital that my daughter had participated in. The recital started 15 minutes late and I was happy. I compare this to a meeting I had attended at work where the organizer was 1 minute late and apologized for being late!
America values time. Other people’s time. Desis don’t do that. There is a joke about Indian events starting at Indian Standard Time = 20 minutes after the scheduled start time. Why this disregard for the other person’s time? Initially, I wondered if the infrastructure in India just did not allow for the efficiency needed to be on time (clogged roads, people and more people everywhere, various streets in varying states of disrepair, potholes and rain-damaged roads) but I think the real reason is just a lack of thought and time given to being on time. The real reason is not taking into account these other reasons that could cause a delay.
My dad is an anomaly to the Indian Standard Time practice. He is a stickler for punctuality. I remember holding back tears when he insisted that I get up on stage and wait for the ‘groom’ (DH was delayed for valid reasons, he claims!) at my wedding reception. Who ever heard of the bride standing by herself for the reception? Even if it was only for a few minutes? I kind of see my dad’s point now (sort of).
Anyway, back to being on time…I try to be on time for all meetings. I don’t think calling it Indian Standard Time justifies being late. And the times I know it won’t be humanly possible for me to be on time, I let the host know. Thank you America and my dad for teaching me that.
