India 11: on time (or not)
The suggestions the other Americans made for improving the school led me to some reflections about time in India.
It began when Sarah responded to the outsiders' plea for a structured daily schedule, regular field trips, additional after-school programs, and so on, by saying, "I cannot ask my teachers to do more. They are already working long hours for reduced salaries. My teachers do what they do for affection, for love, not for money."
Values are different in India. Traditionally, it has been more important to ask after the family of the neighbor or relative you meet on the street than it is to get somewhere on time. Affection, caring, is of greater value than money or time. So, since many people still agree that responding to the need of the moment with love is more valuable than arriving on time or getting work done, the imposition of the Western values of efficiency and hard work is not always effective.
Values are shifting, however, as the Boom proves - young people are rapidly rejecting traditional value systems in favor of current fashion. All those new buildings are rising on schedule and the IT industry is delivering on time.
Nonetheless, I hope the person calling on that cell phone ringing in the temple of the sacred deity is asking about the family of the smiling young woman answering it.
It began when Sarah responded to the outsiders' plea for a structured daily schedule, regular field trips, additional after-school programs, and so on, by saying, "I cannot ask my teachers to do more. They are already working long hours for reduced salaries. My teachers do what they do for affection, for love, not for money."
Values are different in India. Traditionally, it has been more important to ask after the family of the neighbor or relative you meet on the street than it is to get somewhere on time. Affection, caring, is of greater value than money or time. So, since many people still agree that responding to the need of the moment with love is more valuable than arriving on time or getting work done, the imposition of the Western values of efficiency and hard work is not always effective.
Values are shifting, however, as the Boom proves - young people are rapidly rejecting traditional value systems in favor of current fashion. All those new buildings are rising on schedule and the IT industry is delivering on time.
Nonetheless, I hope the person calling on that cell phone ringing in the temple of the sacred deity is asking about the family of the smiling young woman answering it.
posted by Eve at 11:12 AM
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