Balbir Ram Rattan
Courtesy, although an eight alphabets word but carries a lot of meaning and takes any individual to a very respectable and high place or brings down his social stature at such a low level that no one likes to be in any relation with him or her. It can be, therefore, defined as the act of showing regard for others, excellence of manners or social conduct coupled with blend of polite behaviour.
Courtesy is nothing more than consideration for others. It opens the doors that would not otherwise open. A courteous person, who is not very sharp, will go further in life than a discourteous but sharp person. It not only makes a person to be well behaved but also enhances its personality to face any challenge which may come in his/her life time.
It is little things that make a big difference. Courtesy is made of nothing more than many small gifts. Small courtesies will take a person much further than cleverness. Courtesy is an offshoot of deep moral behaviour. It costs nothing but pays a lot.
No one is too big or too busy to practice courtesy. Courtesy means giving a seat to the elderly or to the disabled while travelling in public transport, which is not a difficult thing. Courtesy can be a warm smile or saying thanks to some one. It is a small investment but payoffs are big. It enhances the other person’s self-worth. Courtesy requires humility.
Courtesy and manners go hand in hand. It is equally important to practice manners at home and not just on outsiders. Showing consideration and good manners brings out a feeling of warmth and acceptance in the home. Courtesy means practicing good manners and making small sacrifices to others.
Besides, being self-satisfying, politeness and courtesy have many more advantages than rude behaviour. Rude and discourteous people may get short-term results. Most people avoid dealing with such behaviour and in the long run, rude people are disliked. Courteous behaviour ought to be taught to children at an early age so that they can grow and become mature, considerate adults. Courteous behaviour, once learned, stays for life. It demonstrates a caring attitude and sensitivity to other people’s feelings. It seems trivial and unimportant, little phrases such as “please” “thank-you” and “I am sorry” take a person a long way. Remember, being courteous will breed courtesy in return. Practice as much as often as you can.
Politeness is the hallmark of gentleness. Courtesy is another name for politeness. It costs a little but pays a lot, not only to the individual bit also to the entire organisation. Courtesy coupled with politeness also plays significant role in social, political, educational setup of the Indian society. One who adopts this will definitely enhance while those who ignored will have to face the wrath.
Have you noticed that sometimes, when one person is telling a joke, another person will jump in and give the punch line, drawing attention to himself. And after everyone laughs, he will reveal where he read it. This may show superior knowledge but it shows inferior manners.
Many brilliant and talented people have destroyed their own success because they lack courtesy and manners. Politeness and courtesy are signs of being cultured. Rudeness and discourtesy show the lack of it. Treat other people with respect and dignity.
Today, is the world is universalized, modern societies at national and international levels play a significant role. However, if we talk about the western world, the people are more courteous and tolerable. In Indian civil society, people are tolerable and courteous but still we have to strive a lot way to make the same in real sense. We have an age old tradition and rich cultural diversity but it is matter of concern that we have forgotten while the western nations are adopting our culture and traditions. Rabindernath Tagore once commented on the non-violence concept of the Father of the Nation that western world will adopt non-violence much before the Eastern world. It is the matter of the fact that western adopted various aspects of the society like tolerance, respect for others, universalisation and brotherhood in comparison with eastern one. So, we as Indians have to go a long way to go to acquire such important aspect of the society which we call courtesy.
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