JUGAAD: Sustainable & Scalable Solutions?

 

I don’t know how many can relate but almost every middle-income Indian household will have a chair, a table, or any piece of furniture with a folded newspaper crushed under one of its feet to prevent it from tumbling. We Indians have a very beautiful word associated to it. No prize for guessing it, the word is ‘JUGAAD’. Crudely derived from Sanskrit, ‘Jugaad’ is a concept well understood as an ‘Indian hack’. There are many synonyms for the word, but a simple definition of ‘Jugaad’ is a ‘non-conventional innovative fix to any problem with limited available resources'. It is a short-term solution, with minimal effort and an idea to use what is available. A concept familiar to each Indian family, where it comes unknowingly to us as an antidote to our complex problems.

Now the question is: Is Jugaad Sustainable?

Sustainability is a vast topic with multiple variations, and it might be a dare to compare sustainability with Jugaad because by the shear definition sustainability is a long-term solution, whereas Jugaad is short term fix. If that be the case, then why to compare at all?  Let’s go with the easiest definition we know for it, intelligent/innovative use of available resources in the present without compromising the needs of the future. Within this sustainability, we learn about the 3Rs- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Since Jugaad ideas are locally executed with locally available resources, they reduce the distances, time, effort, and environmental stress. Adaptive reuse of available products increases. Limited resource constraints encourage innovation resulting in environmental sustainability. Jugaad ideas helps to address complex problems one by one by rigorous context mapping and constant feedback system making them inclusive of masses.

For more jugaad ideas to get inspired by:

https://hindi.thebetterindia.com/category/indian-jugaad/

https://www.readersdigest.in/features/story-the-great-indian-jugaad-126478

 

Jugaad Solutions are faster local remedies for problems of masses where external help might take time. The faster results might be the pre-emptive strike against a foreseen bigger problem. Other than being fast, these solutions are effective, efficient, and affordable. Maintaining the financial security of the moderate-income families, Jugaad solutions are great example for local economies like panchayats and gram panchayats. The very reason of 100% success rate of these solutions is the affordable nature and adaptability by the localities. And the most important is creativity and innovation where we Indian always score since the beginning.

India’s populations and diversity need solutions with a rapid response rate and inclusive support. Jugaad solutions are a promise to those requirements as these solutions go for a bottom-up approach which means contextual solutions built from the ground, on the ground in accordance with the locals till a point where all the end users are happy. These solutions are built for masses and repeatability is easy and cheap. Businesses opting for such approach are more prepared for any questionable scenario.

Today, when all the countries and large corporate machines are leaping for the UNs SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) and Indian companies presenting themselves as the pioneers of sustainable growth. The jugaad solutions can become a value-added property for the ESG (environmental, social and governance) vision of the company. A very simple example is of the online transaction applications which promote e-wallets. This market relevant solution to easy payments, payment documentation and finance maintenance has helped communities to grow locally as well as globally. Environment-friendly transactions, reaching even to the remotest of the villages in the country and easier for government to maintain cash flow is the crux to the ESG vision of the company. Now e-wallets may be an engineered solution but its implementation and propagation to most corners of India is a bottom-up approach inspired by jugaad solution of aiming the most basic necessities to be made available by e-wallets.

Now that we have set that Jugaad is sustainable, the question arises if it is scalable and if it is, what are the factors to be tackled for its global adaptation. Most of the time, even after India’s promising results in GDP growth, IT boom, Renewable energy goals, COVID vaccination drive etc. developed countries have often prejudiced the ideas as India’s ‘Jugaadu’ thinking. But instead of seeing it as a derogatory statement, it’s time to change that notion to result fetching solution machine. The concept of ‘Jugaad’ is scalable in terms of inspiration, approach, and adaptability. The solutions are context-based and local, the lipstick usage of these solutions to a larger context might fail brutally so using these solutions, as case studies are better for global results.

The factors which are hinderance to Jugaad’s global acceptance include:

Lack of standardisation: Since these solutions are contextual, unique to the problem and individual or community, it doesn’t follow a standard process of development also the result cannot be a standard product with simulated output.

Lack of reliability: Despite fast results from jugaad solutions, they might not be the best answer to the problem. The makeshift approach may work for a while, but they are more prone to breaking down or failing when compared to well-designed and engineered solutions.

Short term focus: Jugaad tends to focus on short-term gains and quick fixes, which may not consider the long-term consequences of these solutions. Long term solutions consider the impact on the environment, society, and future generations.

Regulatory and compliance issue: Jugaad solutions do not follow any conventional book of rules or regulations and are majorly on ground context- oriented in nature which may not comply with legal and regulatory standards, which can lead to legal issues, fines, or other penalties.

When I say jugaad is scalable, I refer to the inspiration the jugaad carries.

Once again, we should ponder upon the first example of table and piece of paper. Of course, its Jugaad, which doesn’t consider the aesthetics and reliability of the solution so, what can be done to make that jugaad sustainable? Consider this, the table manufacturing company themselves provide you with a spare leg or a small designed wooden piece that is easily replaceable and modular at the time you buy the table. This solution increases the chances of consumers preferring the product more than the table devoid of any such provision. This solves the purpose in style.

While Jugaad can be a valuable approach in resource-constrained situations or for solving immediate, pressing issues, it is essential to recognize its limitations and consider its essence in sustainable, long-term solutions. Sustainable solutions typically involve careful planning, investment in research and development, adherence to safety and environmental standards, and a focus on long-term viability. Balancing jugaad with sustainable practices is often the key to addressing complex challenges effectively while also considering the broader impact on society and the environment.

Let me know of any ‘Jugaad’ ideas you come across that can inspire a global solution.