Throughout our expat journey in India, one thing has become increasingly clear – there's always something new to learn. While cultural training was a valuable start to our adventure, it was just the tip of the iceberg. India is a land of contrasts, and every day presents fresh insights, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
One of my favorite discoveries in this vibrant country has been the concept of jugaad. Before coming to India, I had no understanding of how pervasive this approach to life is. It's the art of finding innovative solutions to everyday problems, often with limited resources. It's a mindset that's deeply ingrained in the Indian way of life, and it's something that never ceases to amaze me.
We've had countless lessons in jugaad, with each experience highlighting the incredible creativity and adaptability of the Indian people. One vivid memory is the day when an electrician arrived at our flat to add a plug for our dryer, which we had placed on an outside balcony. We had clearly expressed our requirements, specifying both the type of plug and the outdoor setting. However, when the electrician showed up, he had brought an interior-rated plug that was not compatible with the dryer's wattage.
In that moment, we realized the power of jugaad, the Indian way of making things work. The electrician seemed unfazed by the apparent mismatch and was confident that his solution "worked just fine." It was a stark reminder that jugaad isn't just about finding innovative solutions; it's also about embracing imperfections when necessary.
As we continue to navigate life in India, we're learning to strike a balance. We've come to understand that while jugaad offers ingenious and often unconventional solutions, there are times when it's essential to push for correctness and precision. It's about identifying the areas where perfection matters and letting go of the rest.
Our expat journey in India has been a continuous learning experience, a delightful journey of embracing the unexpected, and a profound exploration of jugaad. It's a reminder that there is always more to discover, even in the most familiar of places. In India, jugaad is more than a word; it's a way of life. It reflects the resilience, adaptability, and boundless creativity of the people in this incredible country.
As we continue our adventures and adapt to the ebb and flow of life in India, we look forward to the next lesson, the next surprise, and the next opportunity to celebrate the beauty of jugaad. After all, it's in the challenges and the unconventional solutions that we find some of life's most enriching experiences, and we're learning to choose the moments when pushing for correctness is essential and when embracing jugaad's inventive spirit is the key to success.
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