As we were returning to India after a 12-day vacation from Bali, we had this amazing experience. We were flying from Bali-Ho Chi Minh-Mumbai in VietJet Airways. As passengers were getting ready to board the flight at Ho Chi Minh to Mumbai, VietJet staff were randomly checking weights of cabin luggage at the boarding gates. Needless to say, there were arguments. We could specifically see one group of about seven youngsters stranded. After a few minutes, they joined us in the bus.

We asked them, what was it all about. They mentioned that they were 8 kgs more put together. They were asking for USD 52 per kg. Most of that extra weight was the stuff they bought from the duty-free store at the airport. On asking whether they paid, their response was – “No Ways!” One of them clarified, “A few fellow passengers who were not carrying much weight came together and took some of our weight! Then ofcourse our weight was within limit. And the moment we passed the boarding gates, they handed us back the luggage!” One fellow passenger had similar experience on his onward flight. VietJet people caught hold of three foreigners for same reasons. A few Indians took their weight and handed them back in the flight!

Today on 15^th August 2022, we celebrate our 75^th Independence Day! Through these 75 years, we have been through lots of ups and downs, political turmoil’s, wars, revolutions, achievements and much more! These have been eventful 75 years indeed!

But if there is one quality, which makes us stand out from others in the world, it is this quality of – ‘being jugaadu!’ So much so that in September 2017, the word “Jugaad” was added to Oxford Dictionary. Oxford defines Jugaad as – “involving the use of skill and imagination to find an easy solution to a problem or to fix or make something using cheap, basic items”

In my dictionary, Jugaad has a much wider meaning. It is the ability to be able to solve any kind of problem with the limited resources available at hand. It involves creative thinking, mobilizing connects, creating opportunities where none exists, going out of the way to raise resources as and when needed, and making ends meet anyhow!

Before India was invaded, it was referred to as – ‘Sone ki Chidiya’ or Golden Bird. When we got independence from Britishers in 1947, we were left to be a poor country. We had extremely limited resources and hardly any capital.

The story of growth of our country from those times to where we are today has been possible only because of this ability of ‘being able to be jugaadu’. With whatever we have had at hand, we have tried to make the most of it. Think of you in various phases of your life. Did you at any point do some jugaad when you were stuck in a situation? Were you able to solve a problem being creative? Could you create opportunities in your career when none existed? I am sure you have answers. I think each and every Indian would have a few.

Through years of ‘jugaad’, I feel that today India is in its most glorious period – Indians are being revered as employees across the world and in every sector; many Indians are being chosen to either head or be at very important positions in best companies of the world; our sportsmen/ sportswomen are making a mark in every competition we are participating in; India’s political leaders are assuming greater roles in world politics and policies; businessmen are taking over international companies; many cost effective solutions for problems of the world are being found in India; international companies are wanting to invest in India sheerly due to be the size of our population and buying capacities; Indian products and services are being preferred and trusted across the world.

If you have been observing, another very significant change is visible. Indians have always been assumed to be followers. As a result, most people would either be scared or uncomfortable when competing on world stage. But the current generation is way too different. They have extremely high self-confidence. They believe in themselves. They have their own mind and are ready to tread the unknown. They know no fear. They feel they can just do it. They trust themselves, their potential and their abilities. They feel at-par with anyone and are proud of who and what they are. They don’t do things out of fear, but out of belief!

Yes, there are still thousands of things, which are not okay. I assume they never will be. But with our in-born ability of being a jugaadu and the amazing confidence we have as Indians and India today, I am so sure that we will create that Golden Age for ourselves. With the way things are shaping, I feel so confident that by the time we celebrate our 100 years of Independence on 15^th August 2047, we will again become ‘Sone ki Chidiya’ or Golden Bird!

 Wishing everyone an amazing 75^th INDEPENDENCE DAY today!