In recent times, I’ve noticed the term jugaad being thrown around quite liberally. It’s become a catch-all explanation for behaviors and actions that, frankly, I find troubling. The word jugaad holds a very special place in my heart, representing something much deeper and more profound than the way it’s being casually used today.

For those familiar with the culture and languages of the Indian subcontinent, jugaad is often understood as a clever hack, a quick fix, or an innovative solution. And yes, at its core, jugaad does indeed symbolize innovation—but it’s much more than just finding shortcuts. It’s about the art, or better yet, the commitment to doing big, audacious, impactful things with the means available. It’s about refusing to let the reality of your constraints stop you from pushing forward, from finding a solution that works, despite the odds.

This approach, to me, embodies the true spirit of ingenuity. It’s a celebration of human creativity in the face of limitations—a mindset that says, “I will make this work, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.” There’s a certain nobility in this, a dedication to problem-solving that deserves respect. Those who practice this, the real “jugaadus” as I like to call them, are individuals who have my deepest admiration.

But here’s the rub: lately, I’ve seen the term jugaad being used to justify actions that, in my view, have no place under its banner. I’ve heard it employed to excuse cutting corners, to gloss over activities that edge too close to criminality, or to rationalize behaviors that benefit no one except the person engaging in them. This is where I draw a line, a line that I believe we all must recognize.

Jugaad is not criminality. Jugaad is not stealing. Jugaad is not cheating, and it most certainly is not about hurting others to get ahead. These actions are not clever. They are not innovative. They are simply wrong, and we cannot allow them to be glamorized or legitimized by slapping the label of jugaad on them.

True jugaad is about resourcefulness with integrity. It’s about using what you have to create something positive, something that works for the greater good, despite the constraints. It’s about the creativity that comes from necessity, not the kind that stems from a desire to avoid hard work or ethical behavior.

When we start conflating jugaad with cutting corners or engaging in unethical activities, we do a disservice to the very spirit of innovation that jugaad represents. We risk turning a noble concept into a convenient excuse for behavior that is anything but admirable. And this is something I object to, strongly.

In a world that often challenges us with constraints—be it limited resources, time, or opportunities—the real value lies in how we respond to those challenges. The true jugaad mindset doesn’t seek to bypass the rules or take the easy way out. Instead, it finds ways to work within the constraints, to innovate, and to make a positive impact.

As someone who believes deeply in the power of creativity and innovation, I feel it’s essential to reclaim the true meaning of jugaad. Let’s not allow it to become a catchphrase for actions that don’t deserve to be celebrated. Let’s preserve the respect that this concept rightfully commands, and continue to recognize those who practice it with integrity and ingenuity.

So, the next time you hear the term jugaad, think carefully about what it truly means. Let’s honor the real jugaadus—those who, despite the odds, find a way to make things work, not by cutting corners, but by crafting solutions that truly make a difference.