In the history of human civilizations, there are forces that dictates individual decisions and choices. Heard of common Indian saying “Char Log Kya Kahenge” (चार लोग क्या कहेंगे)?
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English meaning of Char Log Kya Kahenge?
For those, who don’t know Hindi, it translates to
- Char – four
- log – people
- kya – What
- kahenge – say.
Here it mention four in general saying but it ideally mean some, or few, or many in different contexts.
The exact line is कभी सोचा है की चार लोग क्या कहेंगे? Its exact English translation is “Have you ever thought what people will say?”
Origin of Char Log Kya Kahenge?
It is so deep in the history that we can’t find exact origins. It is a common household Indian proverb or saying, that I heard it multiple times in my childhood.
Why Char Log Kya Kahenge is bad?
In simple words, it dictates our decision and choices. It forces us to do things which are not in our interest.
Financial impact of Char Log Kya Kahenge?
Let’s take an example of financial bad habit. Have you seen someone near you having an iPhone? I’m not saying purchasing an iPhone is bad; Its a powerful phone and if you really utilize its power and make it an asset, it is a good investment. For example Vloggers, app developers, etc.
However, if you use iPhone just to make phone calls, read SMS or WhatsApp messages, occasionally surf internet, it’s a bad decision. You can do all of them at much cheaper price on a budget smartphone.
Problem is, in India, most people buy iPhone (Or other overpriced items) as a status symbol, just to show they are rich. It is especially bad if we buy it on EMI. So, it become true that:
You used money you haven’t earned (EMI), to buy things you don’t need (Premium smartphone like iPhone), to impress people you don’t like (char log).
Americanism: Using money you haven’t earned to buy things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like.
– Americanism: June 1928 column by Robert Quillen
Again, I’m not saying buying iPhone or other premium smartphones is bad. If you really need it and it will highly assist in your profession, buy it. Also, we can buy it as personal happiness but in that case, you should buy it in cash (With money you have over your emergency fund), not on EMI (Money you will earn in future).
This also applies to depreciating assets like luxury cars, or big home/villa, throwing expensive parties frequently, etc. Don’t be a victim of “Char Log Kya Kahenge”. If you land into any financial trouble, those “char log” will not help.
Career impact of Char Log Kya Kahenge?
Remember the movie ‘3 idiots’ and the character Farhan?
Quick recap for those who didn’t watch the movie: Farhan is a character who loves nature. His dream is to become a wildlife photographer, but his family forced him to choose Engineering. He is good at studies and got admission to one of the top Engineering colleges of India. However, he is not happy. His parent thinks of “Char Log Kya Kahenge” and didn’t let him follow his dreams. (At the end, he becomes wildlife photographer)
In Indian society, some career options are considered superior than other. Parents want their kids to select those career options thinking “Char Log Kya Kahenge” if he/she selects a so-called inferior career option.
Fortunately, the trend is changing. Don’t clip the wings of your kids by forcing them to do what you couldn’t or what they don’t like. Your kids are independent humans, not a tool to fulfil your dreams or satisfy your ego/loved “Char Log”.
Daily life impact
Do we really need such comments from so called “Char Log”?
- Your dress is so good.
- You looks beautiful/smart.
- You are so lucky.
- Your home is so big
- Wow! You went to Europe for vacations
Or we really care for such verbal jibes
- Your kids go to that school!
- You didn’t went anywhere on vacation
- Your car seems a bit old.
- Ahh forget it, he never gives party
No matter what you do, so called “Char Log” will find a way to criticize you.
Don’t make your decisions based on “Char Log Kya Kahange”?
Conclusion
Stop worrying about “Char Log Kya Kahenge”?
If you really need, those so-called “Char Log” will never come to your aid.
Follow your dreams, fulfil your goals, and live a happy life. To do that, we must dump those “Char log” from our life.
It certainly do not mean to stop participating in social events. Just don’t do anything stupid, to appease those so called “Char log”. No matter what you do, they will never be appeased. Remember:
YOU ARE THE BEST.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVE IT OR REQUIRE ANYONE’S APPROVAL.
Never make your life decisions based on those “Char Log”
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