Ringing alarm for mobile etiquette
Not being able to do without her cellphone, a young lawyer was reprimanded by the judge in the capital recently. The judge chided the lawyer for texting during the court proceedings. He pointed out that it was a distracting habit and the lawyer sitting in the back row of a court was more involved in texting on her phone than the proceedings.
According to reports, Justice Pradeep Nandarajog told the lawyer. “Young lady, please don’t text in the court. It distracts the court. I may also request everyone in the court not to run his or her fingers on the phone in the courtroom. It is disturbing and improper.”
Delhiites somehow find it tough to go on silent mode even when the situation demands it. At a recent classical music gathering at the Kamani auditorium, the audience made its displeasure known when some people forgot to put their phones on the silent mode.
Stand-up comedian Vir Das is used to people’s phones ringing in the middle of his performance, but it doesn’t perturb him. “I love it when someone’s phone rings. I walk down and pick it for them. They die a thousand deaths at that very moment.” He adds, “We actually announce prior to the show that please switch off your cellphones or Vir will come and pick up your calls.”
First year Delhi University student Sanya Batra shares an incident from her school. “We weren’t allowed to carry cellphones to school but many did. Luckily, our Psychology teacher was lenient with cellphones in the class. Once, however, she very sweetly pulled up a girl who was busy texting during the class and told her, ‘Dear, I know you don’t fear me, but please keep your cellphone on my desk.’ And the entire class burst out laughing.”
It’s not just a book launch or a theatrical performance, but the incessant ringing of phones hasn’t spared even funerals. Many conveniently forget and continuously peek into their phones for SMSes or alerts. IT professional Shrishti Joshi reveals she shouted at the pundit whose phone rang in the middle of the puja that was being conducted on her mother’s death anniversary. “It’s understood that one must put their phones on the silent mode especially at a funeral. I was furious and shouted at the pundit who stopped to answer his phone while we all were grieving for mom,” she says.
Many can’t resist from using their phones even at office meetings. Ashish Chaudhary (name changed) says he was pulled up by his boss in front of the team when he failed to maintain eye contact. “I was busy playing a game and didn’t hear my name being called. I was asked to leave the meeting. Now, I keep my cell switched off in meetings.”
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