Jugaad
Jugaad (/dʒʊˈɡɑːd/) – Punjabi:
A simple, quick-fix solution or a workaround to a complicated problem. Apparently the English words hack and kludge come quite close to it although they are contrasting (Credit to Wikipedia for going into the minutiae). Jugaad comes innately to Indians as they exist in an environment of over-exerted and at times, minimal resources (never really sufficient though). In such an environment, problems require simple, highly effective, practical, frugal and least exertive solutions. As they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. It is more about survival than an intellectual pursuit, as Wikipedia rightly points out. Much of Jugaad solutions involve minimal use of resources, which translates to cheap for most Indians (yeah we’re not counting the Ambanis, Tatas and Birlas), as well as innovation and creativity. An amused or bemused emotion often accompanies Jugaad solutions along with varying shades of surprise, wtfness and awe. Every Indian loves Jugaad and we at QuickPebbles are no exception.
So people hit us, smack us right in the face with problems which just demand Jugaad. Our team loves to get our brains picked to find insane, awesome and cheap solutions where others would go for ‘further investments’ (smirks all around), but not as a short-term gain. We will be starting a series of such situations where people do just that and witness a Jugaad. Stay tuned for more!
Check out more on Jugaad here, here and here! Oh yeah – To Mars through Jugaad!