The significance of punctuality

Avurudu is here again. One of the biggest features of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year is the prominent place accorded to Nekaths or auspicious times. There are auspicious times for everything from lighting the hearth to the first transaction for the New Year.

These are occasions when almost an entire nation performs a given task at one particular moment of time. Most people listen to the radio or watch television to get the time correct to the last second and then engage in the task at hand, be it partaking of meals or worshipping elders.

Some may question the wisdom of resorting to these auspicious times in a modern, globalised world. However, the concept of auspicious times is ingrained in our society not only due to Avurudu traditions but also due to the influence of astrology in day-to-day life. Most people turn to their astrologers in the planning of big events such as weddings and house construction. Thus Sri Lankans, regardless of community or religion, are no strangers to the concept and practice of auspicious times. Horoscopes are minutely interpreted on these occasions so that astrologers can predict the most beneficial or lucky time for beginning the activity.

Unfortunately for a nation that relies so much on astrological times and forecasts, the concept of punctuality has not made any inroads to the public consciousness. We Sri Lankans even refer to so-called Sri Lankan time to indicate that things are behind schedule. This generally means that if some activity were to begin at 7.30 a.m., it usually starts only around one hour later. Indeed, it has become a general practice to inform participants say, a meeting, to come at 7.30 a.m. if one really wants to begin it at 8.30 a.m. In other words, we as a nation are yet to realize the importance of punctuality. As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine, meaning that a timely effort will prevent more work later. Yes, saving time can often mean saving additional work.

This is one area where we can take a leaf out of advanced countries. In Japan, for example, one can set the watch by looking at the train schedule. If a train is due to arrive at 9.23 a.m., it will arrive at that time, on the dot. If a meeting is due to start at 10 a.m. sharp, one can be 100 per cent certain that it will. This is indeed why these countries prosper. Delay is an alien word to most people in foreign lands, for they work on time.

Punctuality is a concept that should be inculcated in childhood itself at home and in school. In most countries, children are taught how to read analogue watches and clocks (i.e. tell the time) even before they read the native alphabet. Such is the significance they attach to time. We too can adopt this approach. Parents and teachers should set an example to children by being on time themselves for important activities. This can be a very simple task beginning a lesson on time and even having dinner on time. Then they will learn the value of punctuality and practice it almost automatically as adults in the wider society. And if everyone is punctual, the whole society will naturally absorb that habit.

Being punctual is not all that difficult. The best solution is to plan ahead. Maintaining an appointment diary either manually or electronically (on your phone, iPad or Tab) is rather easy. This can be topped off with an alarm for all important tasks, not just for waking up. Then you will know exactly what is coming up during the day and week ahead. You can plan travel arrangements accordingly and prepare what is needed.

If, for example, you have a presentation in Kandy on Wednesday, you can work on it from Saturday and arrange a time for leaving home on Wednesday. That way, there will be ample time for travel and even a little bit of rest at the destination before that all-important presentation. You will look relaxed and in total control before the audience, not frizzled. In fact, an early start always gives you a definite advantage. Sometimes it can even prevent an accident. After all, many accidents are caused by people who try to make up for lost time by speeding. The lesson here is, allow ample time for getting to your destination, traffic and all.

There is another dimension that we often forget. Sometimes it may not be necessary at all to physically meet. Traffic usually plans havoc with our plans for being on time at a given place. The solution is called telecommuting, which actually saves you time and money, because it eliminates travelling altogether. Thanks to advances in video conferencing, people on opposite sides of the world can meet virtually, exchange ideas and documents and reach vital decisions without ever leaving their offices. Delays caused by air and land travel thus disappear in seconds. More individuals and companies are likely to adopt this approach in the coming years.

Sometimes delays are inevitable due to unavoidable circumstances. Instead of accepting such delays as the norm and offering no explanations, it is better to accept that you are late and apologise for the same. There is no shame in saying sorry. On the other hand, those who waited patiently for your arrival will find some comfort in those words.

Thus this Sinhala and Hindu New Year will be an ideal opportunity to make a firm commitment to being punctual in the years ahead. The momentum generated by the moments of collective punctuality across the nation should be garnered to turn it into a lasting habit. Sri Lankans will then be able to shed their reputation for being late. They should learn to make the best use of time, which is a one-way street. Each second that ticks by is important. Time is of the essence in the journey of life. Sticking to it strictly will enable us to prosper as a nation.