RSVP, a genuine aspect we need to follow
| Date :07-Jan-2020 |
It is our culture that we make sure that all the events we host or are a part of take place in the best of the ways possible. The devising of the programme begins with sending beautifully created invites to our knowns. What do we write in it? Well, all the minutes as well as necessary details for the invitee to make it easier for them to reach us. In the very end of the card, we mention RSVP and the name, address and contact details of the hosts are inscribed. Right? But ever wondered why is this detail mentioned? Of course to call up the host in case we’re lost on our way! Also, do you know the full form of this acronym RSVP? It’s ‘ Responde Sil-vous-plait’ which means REPLY PLEASE in French.
Well, basically this is a French culture of mentioning contact details so that the invitee can call and inform the host where he would be able to attend the event or not, the number of people accompanying him, etc. Now what I wonder is, why to call up the host? The notion behind this concept is avoiding wastage of food, money and other resources. Just imagine, if all the invitees call up the host and inform them about their attendance in the event, will it not save food, money, even space? Well, even if we've adapted this culture of beautifully inscribing RSVP in the end, I bet nobody of us has ever actually called up the host in this context. Many of us don’t even know the concept of writing RSVP, we write it because it’s a legacy we’re following since years. And even if some of the know-alls are aware of this fact, none of them has followed it. If asked, the answer would be, “are you out of your mind? Nobody calls up the host this way! Don’t do this! Have you seen anybody doing it here?”
And so on! I want you to be acquainted with the fact that this concept of RSVP is actually a strict law in many countries abroad. It is incumbent for you to ring up the host and politely inform him about your attendance and also if you’re going to have food in the party or not (as in India we usually keep fasts on certain days). We were introduced to this concept in India with the same notion. However lack of responsibility towards these issues didn’t allow it flourish much.
My dear readers, my idea of taking up this topic is to highlight the fact that how inconsiderate we are when it comes to ethics or maybe even following rules. Had it been a strict rule like that in other places, maybe we would’ve followed this concept. Why every time things have to be inculcated in our heads only with the fear of penalties and punishments? I mean why just we can’t think by heart for once and aim towards making this country a much better place? Just imagine, if all of us actually start treading on the heels of this concept, how much will we be able to save in terms of our resources! Well, RSVP is just a tail. There’s a huge cache of facts which are deep hidden into stuff around us. Just search them out! Also, next time you get an invite, don’t forget to call up the host! Happy winters!
Aarushi Vivek Jain
Class 12, Centre Point
School, Katol Road