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Agu nath nai pachhu pagaha, bina chhan ke kude gadha (69th BPSC Essay)
Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a young man named Raghav. He was known for his impulsive nature, always rushing into decisions without thinking about the consequences. One day, he saw a group of villagers preparing to cross a river using a wooden bridge. Without assessing its strength, Raghav confidently jumped onto it, only to find himself falling into the water as the bridge collapsed. The villagers shook their heads and said, “Agu nath nai pachhu pagaha, bina chhan ke kude gadha,” meaning, “Neither tied in the front nor secured at the back, the donkey jumps without thinking.”
This proverb perfectly captures the tendency of people who act without considering the consequences. It reflects the impulsiveness and carelessness that can lead to failure and regret. The French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.” This statement aligns with the proverb, highlighting how individuals often believe they are free to act as they wish but are ultimately bound by the outcomes of their decisions.
Impulsiveness is often mistaken for freedom, but true freedom comes with responsibility and wisdom. Many people, like Raghav, assume that acting without caution signifies independence. However, in reality, rash actions often lead to unwanted consequences. The proverb reminds us that careful planning and foresight are essential in life. As the famous saying goes, “Look before you leap.”
In different aspects of life, whether social, financial, or personal, acting without consideration can result in losses. A student who chooses a career path without understanding its challenges, a businessman who invests without analyzing risks, or a politician who makes promises without strategy—all these scenarios embody the essence of this proverb.
Indian society, especially in rural areas, often labels those who are unemployed or struggling as incompetent. If someone is not engaged in a visible profession, they are often considered useless. This mindset disregards individual circumstances and potential. Many talented individuals fail to succeed not because of a lack of capability but because they never receive the right opportunity. Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”
Similarly, in educated households, societal pressure forces children into predefined career paths such as engineering, medicine, or government jobs, regardless of their interests or skills. Many students succumb to this pressure, leading to dissatisfaction and, in extreme cases, even depression. The increasing number of student suicides in cities like Kota, where competitive exams dominate young minds, is a tragic consequence of such pressures. This shows how a lack of thoughtful decision-making, driven by external forces rather than internal passion, can lead to disastrous results.
The concept of freedom is often misunderstood. True freedom is not the absence of responsibility but the ability to make informed choices. If a person is allowed to act recklessly without guidance, their actions can harm both themselves and society. History is filled with examples where a lack of vision led to failure. Nations that rushed into wars without strategic planning suffered heavy losses. Businesses that expanded too quickly without proper analysis collapsed. As Winston Churchill rightly said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”
In the context of this proverb, humans often fail to realize that absolute freedom without direction can be dangerous. Animals in the wild enjoy freedom, yet even they follow natural laws and instincts to survive. In contrast, humans, despite their intelligence, often act without restraint, leading to destruction. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This suggests that true fulfillment comes not from blind actions but from thoughtful and purposeful decisions.
If we analyze “Agu nath nai pachhu pagaha, bina chhan ke kude gadha” in a broader social and philosophical sense, we understand that impulsive actions without preparation can have serious consequences. However, if society encourages structured freedom—where individuals are given the liberty to choose but with guidance and wisdom—the results can be positive. An individual must find a balance between independence and responsibility, ensuring that their freedom does not turn into recklessness.
In conclusion, this proverb serves as a timeless lesson. Whether in personal life, career, or societal development, one must always think ahead and assess risks before taking action. As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” A life driven by wisdom, responsibility, and careful planning will always be more fruitful than one led by blind impulse. Thus, before making any major decision, let us remember: “Think twice, act once.”
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