“You all must be wondering about the topic getting discussed here, Chalta hai! Is it yet another satire or an anecdote?” In fact, it’s neither. It is but an understanding of these words, WhiCh have deep meaning in our lives”.
Pick your favourite hot cup of coffee, and think of situations you might have fallen into that left you muttering, Chalta Hai! These are a few sweet words that resonate with each of us. We Indians whenever we face dilemmas, and face something wrong, we will meekly say, Chalta Hai and move on. In brief, it is a colloquial term often used to describe an attitude or mentality and loosely translated to mean “it’s okay” or “it will work”.
There are ample situations for which we say Chalta Hie.
For instance, we can mistakenly keep a hot glass of water when the demand is for cold water on the dining table and suddenly skip keeping salad. Mom’s temper could boil, but our father can calm her down with these words, “Chalta Hai”, what’s the big deal? A cold glass of water can also come.
You can say it is a form of compromise, but we can also say it makes us behave optimistically and ignore so many trivial things that would hardly make much difference in our lives. But somewhere down, we are so conditioned to become non-assertive and so much used to the happenings around us that it hardly matters whatever happens in our lives.
It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. It can also have both positive and negative effects depending on the context it is said.
Negative aspects of the “Chalta Hai” mentality:
- Apathy: In some cases, it is considered as apathy or indifference toward problems, which can hinder progress or improvement.
- Mediocrity: It can sometimes lead to a tolerance for mediocrity, as people may not strive for excellence if they believe “Chalta Hai” is good enough.
- Lack of Accountability: It may discourage holding individuals or organizations accountable for their actions or decisions.
- Procrastination: It might result in delaying crucial tasks or decisions, assuming that things will somehow work out in the end.
There are positive aspects to it:
Adaptability: It can reflect a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and make the best of a situation without getting overly stressed.
Tolerance: It can indicate a tolerance for imperfections and a recognition that not everything can always be perfect.
Non-confrontational: It may lead to avoiding conflicts or disagreements to maintain harmony in social or work settings.
It is a relaxed and easygoing approach towards incidents and when it comes to problem-solving. However, adopting each time of these words can have positive and negative connotations depending on the way it is used.
You must know that the Chalta Hai” mentality is not universal in India, and attitudes vary widely among individuals and across regions. Some people may embrace it in certain situations, while others may reject it entirely in favour of a more proactive and diligent approach. Also, it is a complex concept, reflecting a mix of adaptability, tolerance, and, in some cases, indifference. Its interpretation and application can also widely vary, and it’s essential to consider the specific context in which it is used.
So whether Chalta Hai is good or bad is a matter of perception, as how we adopt things in our daily lives or want to change this mentality. It is for us to decide.
Share your experiences and thoughts on occasions or several times you have used the word Chalta Hai somewhere and sometimes.
