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Jiate Machhi Nahin Ghontai (70th BPSC Essay)
“Jiate Machhi Nahin Ghontai” is a well-known Bhojpuri saying that roughly translates to “It’s difficult to ignore a mistake when it happens right in front of you.” This saying captures an essential human characteristic—the difficulty of overlooking something wrong, particularly when it’s happening right before our eyes. It speaks to our tendency to want to address issues, correct mistakes, or react when something is blatantly visible or directly affects us.
At the core, this saying points out the natural human impulse to respond to what we perceive as a mistake, wrongdoing, or injustice, especially when it’s happening within our immediate vicinity. Just like a fish that cannot escape once caught in a net, when something is placed in front of us, it becomes difficult to avoid acknowledging or dealing with it. This act of confronting the issue can be seen as a reflection of our internal sense of responsibility and morality.
In various facets of life, this concept applies. For example, in relationships, if someone close to us—be it a family member, a friend, or a partner—commits a mistake, it’s often difficult not to address it. We may feel the urge to correct them or at least confront them about it. The same applies to the workplace, where witnessing a colleague’s error, especially one that could have larger consequences, makes it difficult to stay silent. The proverb teaches that, as human beings, we are inherently driven to act upon what we see, especially when it’s something that may harm others or disrupt the balance of things.
This inclination to react or correct also has a connection to the concept of justice. Many people feel a moral responsibility to act when they witness something that isn’t right. Just as we might feel a strong urge to correct a mistake made by someone else, we also feel the internal pull to rectify our own mistakes. We are often unable to let go of our own wrongdoings once we become aware of them. This is part of the reason why many people strive to seek forgiveness or make amends once they realize their mistakes.
The saying also highlights an interesting aspect of human psychology: the difficulty of remaining passive when something is wrong, particularly when it’s in our direct line of sight. When we witness someone else making a mistake or injustice happening in our surroundings, we feel an inherent need to act. It’s not always about intervening directly; sometimes it’s about voicing our concerns, offering advice, or even providing help. This reflects how closely tied our sense of responsibility and fairness are to the things we observe.
In the context of moral responsibility, this proverb touches on the notion that justice and accountability are essential to maintaining fairness in society. We all have a role in ensuring that the right thing is done. The saying, in a way, asks us to consider our actions when we are faced with wrongdoing. The image of a fish caught in a net conveys the helplessness or inevitability of having to face something that we cannot simply turn away from. It represents the challenges that come with having to act in the face of wrongdoing.
However, while the saying emphasizes the instinct to act, it also raises the question of how to respond to situations effectively. Sometimes, the best way to handle mistakes or wrongs is not to confront them head-on but to take a step back. There are situations where reacting immediately may not be the best course of action. Patience, understanding, and even silence can sometimes be more powerful than immediate confrontation. The proverb thus encourages us to weigh our options carefully and not always act impulsively.
In modern society, this saying can be related to how we react to mistakes in both our personal lives and in larger social contexts. Take, for example, the role of social media in today’s world. It often amplifies mistakes or wrongdoings, and we see public figures or ordinary individuals being judged harshly when something goes wrong. The visibility of these mistakes makes it hard to ignore them. But just because something is right in front of us doesn’t mean we should rush to judgment. The proverb teaches us that while we may be tempted to react or correct what we see, it’s important to assess the situation thoughtfully and consider the consequences of our actions.
In many instances, people feel compelled to correct mistakes, whether they are minor or significant, because they believe it is their duty to do so. This is especially true in the case of injustices, where people feel they must speak out. But this principle also has limitations. Sometimes, things aren’t as clear-cut as they seem, and reacting too quickly can cause more harm than good. It’s crucial to understand that while it’s important to stand up against what’s wrong, there are times when it is wiser to wait, reflect, and decide the most appropriate response.
Another interpretation of this saying involves self-awareness. It’s not just about correcting others’ mistakes but also about acknowledging our own errors. When we make a mistake, it’s often hard to let it slide. We can’t ignore it, as it keeps bothering us until we address it. Just like the proverb suggests, when something happens right in front of us, it becomes impossible to dismiss. This is why people often seek ways to make amends when they realize they’ve wronged someone. We find it difficult to live with the knowledge of our own mistakes without attempting to set things right.
The moral lesson here is about balancing the urge to act with the wisdom to know when to act. There’s an inner tension between wanting to correct what’s wrong and understanding that not everything requires intervention. Sometimes, letting things pass naturally can be a better solution, and stepping back might lead to better outcomes in the long run.
In conclusion, the Bhojpuri saying “Jiate Machhi Nahin Ghontai” teaches us about human nature and our response to mistakes and wrongdoings. It emphasizes how hard it is to ignore something that’s directly in front of us, whether it’s a mistake by another or our own. While it reflects the importance of justice, accountability, and moral responsibility, it also calls for discernment and wisdom in how we choose to act. The saying encourages us to take a balanced approach—recognizing when to correct and when to let go.
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