Contributor,
Prasanna Navaratna,
Software Engineer,
Passion for writing and inspiring others.
Prasanna Navaratna,
Software Engineer,
Passion for writing and inspiring others.
In recent years, public spaces have started to resemble a chaotic battlefield rather than the serene, orderly environments they once were. Whether it’s the hustle on a crowded bus or the rudeness at a restaurant, it’s clear that public etiquette is on a rapid decline. So, what happened to the “Atithi Devo Bhava” spirit, and why do so many people seem to have forgotten the basics of good manners?
Historically, India was known for its respect and hospitality. Elders were revered, guests were treated like royalty, and public spaces were governed by unwritten rules of courtesy. But as the country rapidly urbanized, these traditional values started to crumble under the weight of overcrowded cities and a focus on individualism. In jam-packed urban spaces, personal space becomes an afterthought, and the “me-first” mentality takes over. Cutting in line, pushing people aside, or simply ignoring others’ comfort has become the new normal.
Technology has had a hand in this decline. While smartphones and social media have made life easier, they’ve also created a generation that prefers staring at a screen to making eye contact with the person next to them. Public spaces once filled with conversations are now drowned in the sound of people loudly chatting on the phone or lost in their Instagram feeds. And let’s not even get started on the selfie culture. In a world where taking selfies in the middle of a sacred temple seems acceptable, it’s no wonder basic etiquette is taking a backseat.
Remember the days when your elders would gently remind you to say “please” and “thank you” in public? That’s becoming rarer, thanks to the rise of nuclear families and busy schedules. Parents, juggling work and life, often don’t have time to teach their children the art of social grace. Meanwhile, schools are more focused on grades than on teaching students how to be decent human beings in a crowded metro.
In short, public etiquette is facing a crisis. Urbanization, technology, and changing family dynamics have eroded the simple courtesies that once made public spaces more harmonious. But all hope is not lost. If we can teach the younger generation to put down their phones, stand in line, and maybe offer a smile now and then, we might just bring back a little bit of old-school charm to our daily interactions. After all, a little “please” and “thank you” go a long way—especially when you’re elbowing your way through a packed metro!
Historically, India was known for its respect and hospitality. Elders were revered, guests were treated like royalty, and public spaces were governed by unwritten rules of courtesy. But as the country rapidly urbanized, these traditional values started to crumble under the weight of overcrowded cities and a focus on individualism. In jam-packed urban spaces, personal space becomes an afterthought, and the “me-first” mentality takes over. Cutting in line, pushing people aside, or simply ignoring others’ comfort has become the new normal.
Technology has had a hand in this decline. While smartphones and social media have made life easier, they’ve also created a generation that prefers staring at a screen to making eye contact with the person next to them. Public spaces once filled with conversations are now drowned in the sound of people loudly chatting on the phone or lost in their Instagram feeds. And let’s not even get started on the selfie culture. In a world where taking selfies in the middle of a sacred temple seems acceptable, it’s no wonder basic etiquette is taking a backseat.
Remember the days when your elders would gently remind you to say “please” and “thank you” in public? That’s becoming rarer, thanks to the rise of nuclear families and busy schedules. Parents, juggling work and life, often don’t have time to teach their children the art of social grace. Meanwhile, schools are more focused on grades than on teaching students how to be decent human beings in a crowded metro.
In short, public etiquette is facing a crisis. Urbanization, technology, and changing family dynamics have eroded the simple courtesies that once made public spaces more harmonious. But all hope is not lost. If we can teach the younger generation to put down their phones, stand in line, and maybe offer a smile now and then, we might just bring back a little bit of old-school charm to our daily interactions. After all, a little “please” and “thank you” go a long way—especially when you’re elbowing your way through a packed metro!
