Danish Bhat
A recent incident with me ignited a movement in Kashmir challenging the prevailing lax attitude towards punctuality. It all began with a disconcerting experience at a doctor’s clinic in Karan Nagar, where a locked door at the supposed 1:00 PM appointment time prompted me to reflect on the broader issue of time disregard in the Valley.
Accompanying my younger sister, we found ourselves among numerous patients waiting outside the clinic, a situation that not only highlighted the inconvenience faced by patients but also exposed a pervasive disrespect for people’s time in various sectors across Kashmir. The inability to reach the doctor through provided contact numbers underscored the need for improved professionalism and work ethics.
Observing elderly men and ladies sitting on the roadside in helpless anticipation, I conversed with one elderly lady who had left her village early in the morning to see the doctor and had been waiting since morning. She expressed frustration at the recurring behavior of the doctor, equating the experience to waiting for a bridegroom-highlighting another aspect of time disregard where bridegrooms often arrive very late to their weddings, leaving people at the bride’s place waiting until midnight.
Moved by the helplessness of these individuals, I took to X to share the experience. The old lady’s story resonated deeply, revealing not just an isolated incident at a clinic but a broader cultural issue affecting various aspects of life in Kashmir. The parallel drawn between waiting for a doctor and waiting for a bridegroom underscored the normalized nature of tardiness, both in medical appointments and cultural events.
My post on X struck a chord with a vast audience, prompting others to share their instances of time disregard in different sectors across Kashmir. This collective outpouring unveiled a prevalent problem-time neglect had become deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Kashmir.
This personal encounter solidified the urgency to address the pervasive issue of time neglect in Kashmir. It became evident that the lack of punctuality extended beyond healthcare and permeated into cultural practices, affecting people’s daily lives in profound ways. This experience added a human touch to the campaign, emphasizing the tangible impact of time disregard on individuals, especially those who seek essential services with a sense of urgency.
This realization gave birth to the #BeOnTimeKashmir campaign-an online movement challenging time neglect in government offices, educational institutions, and appointments. The campaign encourages individuals to share their stories on social media using the hashtag, shedding light on the widespread nature of the problem.
As #BeOnTimeKashmir gains momentum, stories like these become integral to the movement, showcasing the multifaceted challenges stemming from habitual tardiness. The campaign, fueled by these real-life experiences, stands not only as a call for punctuality but as a plea for empathy and respect for the valuable time of every individual in the Valley.
The stories shared under #BeOnTimeKashmir paint a vivid picture of the challenges people face due to habitual tardiness. From delayed government services to disrupted educational experiences, the narratives capture the frustration and inefficiencies caused by a casual approach to time. The stories narrated by people in response to my tweet further illustrate how common individuals are suffering, not only in Patawari offices but also in various other government offices due to a disregard towards their time and lack of punctuality.
The suffering of individuals dealing with delayed services in government offices showcases a systemic issue that affects the everyday lives of Kashmir’s residents. Whether it’s obtaining crucial documents or seeking assistance, the consistent theme is the same-time is not valued as it should be. The frustration expressed in these stories echoes the sentiment that punctuality is not merely a matter of convenience but a fundamental aspect of efficient and respectful governance. It highlights a need for a cultural shift, urging institutions to recognize the profound impact of their timely actions on the lives of the people they serve.
#BeOnTimeKashmir calls to action. It urges both individuals and institutions to recognize the significance of punctuality in fostering a more efficient and respectful society. The campaign aims to shift the cultural mindset around time, emphasizing that being punctual is not a rigid imposition but a collective responsibility that benefits everyone in the Valley.
Let #BeOnTimeKashmir be a rallying cry for change-a call reminding us that time, when respected, can transform our society for the better. However, when neglected, it can lead to the downfall. It is time to embrace a cultural shift, where time is valued and punctuality becomes a shared responsibility. By respecting each other’s time, we pave the way for a society where inefficiencies are minimized, frustrations are alleviated, and trust is strengthened.
(The author is an engineer turned politician)
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