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There’s a magical word in India. It’s not a sacred mantra or a complex philosophical term. It’s a simple, everyday instruction, a plea, a philosophy, and a survival strategy all rolled into one. That word is “Adjust”. Heard it on a crowded train? “Thoda adjust karo, bhai.” (Adjust a little, brother.) Squeezing onto an already full bench? “Adjust maadi.” (Please adjust.) Trying to fit one more item into an overflowing suitcase? “It will adjust!”
This isn’t just about moving over; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural mindset, a national superpower that allows us to make room where none seems to exist, to find harmony in chaos, and to prioritise collective function over individual space.
To an outsider, this constant need to “adjust” might look like a compromise, an inconvenience, or a sign of overpopulation. But to look at it that way is to miss the point entirely. The ‘Adjust‘ philosophy isn’t a bug in the Indian system; it’s a core feature. It’s the invisible social lubricant that allows a billion-plus people to coexist in a dance of beautiful, bewildering, and brilliant accommodation.
Let’s squeeze in and explore how this strategic cultural strength shapes everything from our daily commute to our family dynamics and even our business dealings.
The Theatre of Adjustment: Daily Life Edition
You see this philosophy in action everywhere, every single day.
- Public Transport: The Ultimate Litmus Test: An Indian train’s general compartment or a public bus is a masterclass in the art of adjustment. A seat officially designated for three people can, through the magical physics of compression and goodwill, comfortably (ahem) accommodate four, and on a good day, maybe a fifth person and a small child. It’s not about asserting your right to your allotted 18 inches of space; it’s about collectively ensuring everyone gets a spot. The person who refuses to “adjust” is seen not as assertive, but as inconsiderate.
- The Big Fat Indian Family (and House): In many parts of the world, a guest arriving unexpectedly might cause a mild panic. In India? “Arre, no problem, we’ll adjust!” An extra mattress appears on the floor, meals are miraculously stretched, and space is made. Multi-generational families living under one roof are a testament to this philosophy. It’s a constant negotiation of space, resources, and privacy, all held together by the willingness to accommodate each other’s needs and quirks. Your personal room? It’s also the guest room, the study room, and occasionally, the saree-drying room. You adjust.
- The Human Traffic Jam: Watch pedestrians navigate a crowded market. There are no clear lanes, yet people flow like a river, constantly adjusting their pace and direction, sidestepping, ducking, and weaving to avoid collision. It’s a fluid, intuitive dance of mutual accommodation.
More Than Just Squeezing In: The Mindset Behind the Magic
This isn’t just about physical accommodation; it’s a reflection of a deeper psychological and social approach.
- Prioritising Collective Harmony over Individual Convenience: The core principle is that the smooth functioning of the group (the family, the commuters, the community) is often more important than the pristine comfort of the individual. Your minor inconvenience allows for someone else’s inclusion. This creates a powerful, if sometimes messy, sense of communal harmony.
- Embracing Elasticity: The ‘Adjust’ philosophy assumes that rules, spaces, and plans are not rigid but elastic. They can be stretched to fit the situation. This flexibility is a powerful coping mechanism in a country where things rarely go exactly as planned. The train is late? The power is out? The guest list just doubled? Okay, let’s adjust.
- A Sign of Generosity and Welcome: Making space for someone, whether on a bench or in your home, is a fundamental gesture of warmth and welcome. It says, “You belong here; we will make room for you.” It’s the opposite of the territorial, “this is my space” mindset.
“Adjust, Sir”: Lessons for Business and Organizational Resilience
This cultural strength has fascinating implications for the world of business and organisational management, offering lessons in adaptability that rigid, process-driven Western models might miss.
- Resourcefulness in the Face of Constraints: Indian teams are often masters at “adjusting” to tight budgets, changing project requirements, or unexpected roadblocks. Instead of saying “it can’t be done,” the default response is often, “How can we adjust to make it happen?” This fosters incredible resourcefulness and a “can-do” attitude.
- Fluid Team Roles: In a culture of adjustment, job descriptions can be more like guidelines than strict rules. Team members are often willing to step outside their designated roles to help a colleague or to get a project over the finish line. This creates a resilient, multi-skilled workforce.
- Negotiation as a Collaborative Dance: Business negotiations are often less about a zero-sum game and more about finding a middle path where both parties feel they can “adjust” their positions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. It’s about building a relationship, not just closing a deal. The goal is to find a solution that works for everyone, even if it’s not the one you started with.
The Uniqueness of This ‘Strategic Inconvenience’
While all cultures practice some form of accommodation, the Indian “Adjust” philosophy is unique in its pervasiveness, its explicit vocabulary, and its elevation from a mere tactic to a celebrated cultural virtue.
- It’s a Verb, an Instruction, a Way of Life: The constant, explicit use of the word “adjust” in daily conversation makes it a conscious, active strategy rather than a passive, implicit behaviour.
- It Views Inconvenience as a Social Good: In many individualistic cultures, being asked to compromise your space or comfort is seen as an imposition. Here, it’s often framed as a positive social act, a way of being a good member of the community. This positioning of perceived inconvenience as a strategic strength is a profound cultural difference.
- It’s Learnt from Childhood: From sharing toys to squeezing into auto-rickshaws, Indian children learn the art of adjustment from a very young age. It’s a fundamental part of their social education.
The Fine Line: Adjustment vs. Compromise
Of course, there’s a flip side. The “Adjust” philosophy can sometimes be used to paper over systemic failures (like inadequate public transport) or to pressure individuals into accepting unfair compromises. There’s a fine line between healthy accommodation and putting up with situations that genuinely need to be fixed, not just “adjusted” to.
But at its best, this philosophy is a powerful testament to human flexibility and the Indian genius for making things work against all odds. It’s a recognition that life is unpredictable and that our ability to adapt, accommodate, and make room for others is what allows us to not just survive but to thrive in a beautifully complex world.
So, the next time you find yourself on a crowded bus and hear that familiar “thoda adjust karo,” don’t just see it as a request to squeeze in. See it as an invitation to participate in India’s national pastime, a small act in the grand, ongoing performance of collective harmony. Go on, adjust. There’s always room for one more.
What’s your most memorable “adjust” moment? A hilarious squeeze in a vehicle or a heartwarming story of accommodation? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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