Punctuality means 'keeping to the appointed or fixed hour'. It is an important factor in the career of a successful person. In fact, a punctual man, however busy or engaged, finds time for more work still. An unpunctual man, on the other hand, far from doing much, cannot finish his normal duties even. So he incurs the displeasure of everybody and fails in life. Let us take a few examples. A student who comes late to his class misses a part of the lesson that day and also causes disturbance to others. An unpunctual officer upsets the day's programme not only of himself, but also of those who have dealings with him. A little delay by an army may result in the loss of the empire which can change the destiny of a nation.
Today life is becoming fast. It is full of haste and hurry. Everyone is busy. None is ready to wait. It is our duty to keep our promises and discharge our duties in time. We should not keep others waiting for us. We should be considerate to their interests.
The habit of punctuality is almost natural with the western people, but we are rather careless about it as yet. We still find many public or private engagements beginning work much behind the appointed time. We must cultivate this habit from our childhood.
