Mourning or Celebrating Life



Many times I hear people taking holidays for a lot of days without really thinking of the task to be missed. Like even if the event is for 3-4 days there is the culture in our country to be on leave for at least 15days. The reason could be marriage, death, illness, the exam for children, or any such reasons.

People miss the office, yoga routine, exercise routine, and many such daily activities just because there is a social event in the family. In our culture, celebrations have become part of daily life and people believe that they can excuse themselves irrespective of the actual need.

How do we create a professional environment although even we are not in the workplace? But in our daily routine can we be more answerable to ourselves so that there is more commitment and accountability in that environment.

My heart bleeds when I hear servants taking one month's holiday for the death of a distant relative. The same process also exists in times of weddings.

If this act had a monetary implication like a pay cut in offices, then people would be more responsible and accountable. But in social situations, there is little monetary impact on the individual.

Missing one month of Yoga or an activity that is really needed for the body cannot be compromised for a distant relative wedding.

It is coded in the Indian Culture that all the celebrations and mournings happen in a collective way and every individual feels answerable and accountable or guilty if he or she does not participate.

It’s important that each one considers what is actually needed and developed a professional mindset where every compromise made is a sacrifice on the self.

People who have a more professional mindset adhere to the boundaries and the norms of society. Others would find respite in believing that this is a personal and emotional choice and there is no bargaining around it.

It is also important where do I place myself and the need of society and relationships. How would you respond in all of these? 

Author:-Dr. Nayana Shah (Ph.D.)

           Director, Manthan

             Ahmedabad

Comments

  1. Sudeshna bhojiaDecember 28, 2021 at 2:09 AM

    Wow... yet another thought provoking topic under the lens.

    There are several issues mentioned by you:
    1. Prolonged leaves taken by staff to attend social events/celebrations
    2. Professionalism / work ethics
    3. Collectivism

    We too face troubles with the staff at VKF - especially the support staff- when they go away from work post (at times with very little notice period or without any prior notice at all). Especially, if the person is from states other than Gujarat. for. e.g., out security guard had left before Diwali 2019, and did not return for several months- and covid came by- and he decided to stay back home. On asking about the delay, he said that there were several farm related work and then work at home (renovation, looking for a match for his daughter.. etc etc..) which took time.

    So, while the staff take leave on account of death of a family member, there are n number of other chores waiting for him to be done, once he/she reaches their native homes.

    The issues related to migrated workers are actually complex. They have to support their families and also survive in the cities. Once at home, the family (read extended families) have a long 'To Do' list ready to be executed, as he has come after a long time and will go back after few days. one thing leads to the other and the delay is caused.

    Professionalism- Even in the organized sector- this term is yet to gain grounds. And when we speak of the unorganized sector, then this sector calls for regularisation.

    Collectivism- That's the culture unique to our country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nayana's StoriesJanuary 10, 2022 at 9:49 PM

      Can we also make the unorganized sector more professional for it to be more effective.

      Delete
    2. Sudeshna bhojiaMarch 16, 2022 at 3:13 AM



      Trying to make the unorganized sector more professional may not be feasible.
      Rather regularizing the unorganised sector may be thought about.

      Delete

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