Quorum?

The post-exercise session is a bigger draw

No birthday plus heavy rainfall equals low attendance.
Or so did it seem this morning when there were just four of us to start the exercises. In such a situation, the question that inevitably arises is whether we should wait for some time for more people to turn up or must we rigidly stick to our schedule of starting at the dot of seven.
In other words, can any allowance be made for those stuck in the rains or getting delayed for no fault of theirs? Alternatively, should there be a quorum fixed (as in official meetings) before we begin with our morning proceedings?
Opinion is divided. On the one hand there are some sticklers to discipline like Arun Patil, Tara Chand Seth and Nahid Khan who insist that regardless of any exigency, we must start with our exercises at 7:00 a.m. sharp – even if we happen to be one or two present.
On the other hand, people like Shekhawat, Zarina Khan and even Khatoon Baig have argued that in exceptional circumstances, a delay of five or ten minutes will not hurt anyone so long as the late-comers get the benefit of taking part in the exercises from the start.
Clearly, there are pros and cons to both arguments, each having long-term implications. After all, who decides what is an exigency or ‘exceptional circumstance’? How long can we wait, if we must? What about those who couldn’t care less about the exercises and come late without fail? Most important, what must be the ideal quorum without which we cannot begin the exercises?
Or should the best course be that we conveniently overlook these matters and leave it all to the whims and fancies of those present on any given day?
The jury is still out.

Kiran Prakash:
The exercises should start and close on the dot. Big Laaf has created an image for itself in this regard and we should protect that. In the event of exceptional situations, the moment two persons are there, we should begin. All those, including myself, who are keen to take full advantage should come on time. It's also true that sometimes, for various reasons, people are not able to reach on time and we must accept that. That's how we have grown and are respected too.

Bihari Milwani:
* A quorum of two should be fixed. But for a birthday party or anniversary party the quorum should be 10. That will solve all the issues.
* Today everyone was busy getting ready for tomorrow's mega birthday party. That explains the reason for low attendance.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
The exercises must start at the laid down timing and it will automatically finish at the correct time. Punctuality is important and every one should be well in time. There can be many excuses for being late or absent. However, there is no excuse for being punctual. You will enjoy more and feel happy and relaxed. Keep laughing.