Over the past year, my participation in various events has led me to some uncomfortable realisations. Thanks to my daily journaling habit, I’ve been able to reflect deeply on these experiences. Many people believe that events—be they festivals, ceremonies, or felicitations—strengthen social bonds and showcase our culture. While this is true in theory, the reality today is quite different. Increasingly, these programs seem to lose sight of their original purpose, wasting the time of both resourceful guests and well-meaning attendees.
What’s Going Wrong?
Irrelevant Guests
Often, the selection of chief guests is baffling. We see celebrities, politicians, sports stars, or even controversial figures invited, regardless of their relevance to the event’s theme. Sometimes, local influencers are added at the last minute, simply for their status. This disrupts the event’s discipline and focus. For example:
- A politician with a questionable background lecturing on social values.
- Someone who inherited their position, preaching about merit.
- A late-arriving guest talking about the importance of punctuality.
Endless Introductions and Flattery
Introductions often turn into lengthy eulogies, detailing every achievement of the guest since birth, sometimes accompanied by related video presentations. This not only bores the audience but also eats into the actual content of the event.
Disregard for Time
Delays are common, with events rarely starting or ending on schedule. Guests arrive late, introductions drag on, and by the time the main session begins, much of the audience has lost interest—or left altogether.
My Personal Experience
At one event, guests had travelled from afar, but a local politician’s introduction and speech consumed half an hour. By the time the actual guests were introduced, half the audience had left. In another instance, the chief guests arrived an hour late, causing further delays. The audience, who came to learn or be inspired, left disappointed. As attendees, we rarely voice our dissatisfaction out of courtesy, but privately, many share the same frustrations. I, too, have remained silent for years, but now I feel compelled to speak up.
The Solution: Simplicity, Relevance, and Respect for Time
For Organisers:
- Invite only relevant guests. Don’t let status or influence overshadow the event’s purpose.
- Keep introductions brief. Two minutes is enough. Focus on what’s relevant to the event.
- Stick to the schedule. Respect the audience’s time. If the event is scheduled for an hour, finish on time.
For Attendees:
- Learn to say “no.” Attend only events that align with your interests and priorities.
- Value your time. Use it for learning, family, or personal growth instead of sitting through irrelevant programs.
My Commitment
Through self-reflection, I realised I was making the same mistakes—attending unnecessary events out of obligation. Now, I choose only those that are truly meaningful or relevant to my field. This has saved me time and increased my effectiveness.
Events should provide value, spark meaningful conversations, and respect everyone’s time. Let’s move away from unnecessary flattery and irrelevant guests, and focus on what truly matters: learning, sharing, and growing together.
About the Author: Dr. P.V. Bhandary is a well-known Psychiatrist in Udupi and Medical Director at Dr. A.V.Baliga Memorial Hospital at Doddanagudde, Udupi. He was selected for CADABMA’s Distinguished Psychiatrist Award 2012. This award is initiated for his outstanding services to the marginalised section of society in psychiatry. The award was presented to him at Bangalore in the presence of His Excellency Dr. H.R. Bharadwaj, Governor of Karnataka, His Excellency Dr. K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu, His Grace Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, and other dignitaries.
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