American Influencer Goes Viral Praising India’s Ingenious ‘Jugaad’ Culture
In a heartwarming moment that’s winning hearts across the internet, American influencer Jessica Kumar has gone viral for her admiration of India's iconic ‘jugaad’ culture—a term used locally to describe innovative, low-cost problem-solving solutions that are often makeshift, yet remarkably effective.
The viral clip, which first surfaced on Instagram Reels and quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), shows Jessica having her shoes repaired by a humble street cobbler in India. Visibly surprised and impressed, she shares her experience with genuine warmth, saying:
> “In America, this would have cost me a fortune or I’d just throw the shoes away. But here in India, people fix things—there’s value in repairing. It’s incredible.”
What is ‘Jugaad’?
For those unfamiliar, jugaad is more than just a word—it's a deeply embedded philosophy in Indian life. Whether it’s fixing a broken fan with a soda cap or creating a Wi-Fi antenna from scrap, jugaad reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of everyday Indians, especially those with limited resources.
Jessica’s video has struck a chord with Indians globally, who see her reaction as a refreshing and respectful take on local resourcefulness. Many netizens praised her cultural sensitivity and appreciation for small-scale workers like cobblers and mechanics, often overlooked by mainstream narratives.
Internet Reacts
Within 24 hours of posting, the video amassed over 2 million views, with hashtags like #JugaadPower, #IndiaInnovates, and #JessicaInIndia trending across platforms.
💬 “Love how she’s highlighting the dignity of labor in India.”
💬 “This is the India I grew up with. Glad the world is seeing it now.”
💬 “Jessica just earned my follow. Respect!”
A Stitch in Time...
In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and throwaway culture, Jessica’s video is a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the power of local wisdom. It also shines a light on the everyday heroes—like cobblers, mechanics, tailors—whose skills keep millions of lives moving.
As her video continues to inspire people globally, one thing is clear: the world needs more jugaad, and a lot more of Jessica’s kind of storytelling.