Program(s):
I have begun looking at articles on “jugaad” as the basis of my India abroad research paper. Jugaad is not a mere word; it is a mode of action, a philosophy of out-of-the-box thinking (or sometimes out-of-the-law thinking), and a generally creative and perpetually adaptive and unfinished form of problem solving. It is easy to say, then, that this is a very complicated concept heavily laden with much connotation and personal opinion. The word itself stems from the Sanskrit term “yukti.” Both words have the common root “yug” which roughly translates into “paired, joined, twin, unite.” Yug linguistically manifests a shared sense of the moral good of provision through combination and the acquisition and friendly utilization (not exploitation) of social connections. (This same root “yug” can be seen in words like yoga, yoke, junction, adjust, rejoinder, jugular, and junta) Comparable concepts to jugaad in English may include “jury-rigging,” “life-hacking,” or “(construction term)” but none of these concepts fully and accurately captures the diverse and polysemic nature of jugaad.
Because all types of people practice jugaad I will be unrestrictive in my interview subjects. Within that, I will attempt to put specific emphasis on mechanics, craftsmen, people who will speak about the police force or other governmental arenas, as well as lay civilians. I am curious about the split between jugaad as a virtue and jugaad as another term for corruption. This paper will span a range of levels, ideally exploring issues of necessity, survivability, adaptability, and longevity of infrastructure. I want to discuss jugaar with not only those who practice it, but those who oppose its mentality (on individual or governmental level), those for study it, and generally all those effected by it.
List of Work I've Done So Far
-mostly read numerous articles
Sep. X spoke with Y on the metro. Discussed metaphors & jugaad practice in professional car racing
--gave me contacts in Chennai
Sep. N spoke with street mechanic in attempted interview (language barrier but excited skepticism)
Sep. V spoke with man at skate park