Notes

The Clock

Everywhere you look, there is a device that tells you the time. Mobile, computer, television, ipad, cars even your washing machine, microwave and refrigerator can tell you time. The clock at home and the wristwatch are what remains of the traditional time tellers. Wristwatches are today more instruments of style and status than timekeepers.

Ironically, people have lost the knack of keeping track of time. Even organised professionals who schedule their each and every activity are lost for time wirhout their schedule. The internal clock struggles to remind an increasingly negligent host of its presnce and utility. Television, internet, erratic eating habits have contributed to the decline of awareness and importance of time. Time eaters like social media, messaging and mindless net surfing also contribute to this loss of sense of time.

Where are the clocktowers? The clocktowers or ghantaghars as they are called in hindi are reminders of a strong Raj architectural tradition. Dotting each town and city of significance usually around the city centre, they have now disappeared.

Officials may cite zero utility of these towers. These days when everyone has a watch and all... But the real reason is that they cannot maintain it. They don't want the headache. And it can become slow or fast, which is another problem. So why should there be a towerclock?

The disappearance of clocktowers has coincided with the erosion of law and order in the cities. The clock signified an administration that was orderly. The mechanism of maintaining them, showed people that the powers that be cared for time. it was a public display of punctuality and thus accountability. Silently, people were told that time is valuable so manage it correctly. The gong marked the day's important divisions. Much like the mill sirens of old mumbai. Becoming a landmark it provided people with a sense of direction.

Still very easy to spot in european towns, Its perhaps symbolic that these do not figure in the plans of our civic administrations today. But imagine your house without a clock or wrist without a watch.