Nepali Time

Everybody talks about the importance of time and punctuality but in the context of Nepal people are hardly ever punctual. Whether it is a workplace or somewhere else it is a tradition to be late and say, "Nepali time." This may indicate punctuality is largely related to culture; it seems like there is an unspoken agreement among Nepali people to not follow punctuality. Therefore, if you ask someone to see you at 10:00 am for instance, the person will appear at 10:30 am by the earliest. You should not be surprised when a meeting begins at 3:00 pm which was supposed to commence at 2:00 pm.

There are, however, exceptions too; particularly in private organizations being late is not a common practice. A handful of people are still available who hate to be not punctual and such people are treated like aliens.

I am someone who has high regard for punctuality. Even if I know nothing happens in time in Nepal I cannot help but be on time and irritate myself with long waits. Whenever I am in a decision making position the first thing I demand from my team members is punctuality.

There are numerous reasons behind people failing to be punctual. Whatever they say, their lateness shows that they are unreliable and cannot respect others' time and efforts.

Quite recently, I read an article which listed a number of drawbacks to being late. One such drawback was the fact that a lack of punctuality does not make one an important or special person. It is acceptable and unavoidable to be late once or twice but being late consistently makes people unreliable as mentioned above. It does not show you value other people. Being late consistently implies you are rude and lack all consideration and respect for others as well as for the commitment you made.

If you make a commitment to do something at a certain time then you should stick to this, otherwise why be in a false position? We have invited many things from the Westerners in our lifestyles, for example, the way we celebrate birthdays has changed; we have started to observe  Christmas, Easter and Halloween. We do not hesitate to celebrate New Year twice a year. Then, why can't we learn the simple practice of punctuality from them?

We may think that by being late to an appointment we add value to ourselves, which is quite a misconception. In a modern society, people have busy lifestyles. They have set plans to do different things on a daily basis and they do not want to jeopardise their schedules to deal with your tardiness.

Punctuality is one of your significant personality traits which demonstrates you are a well-disciplined, reliable, trustworthy and committed person, who does only not respect their own time but others' as well. Next time, when you need to see someone at a certain time don't be late with the lame excuse of "Nepali time." 

(Published in an English Daily The Rising Nepal on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 ) 

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