I tried to find an article online which would capture the definition of “Jajabor”.
I failed.
In fact, I doubt a definition even exists. I am not even sure about the origins of this word, but it is used in Bengali/ Assamese and other languages associated to the same tongue. The word captures a feeling, an essence, a lingering sense of being a certain way. The way which connects with the world and the people, yet is free to wander away, roam around and feel out of place in this chaos.
The Ethos
There is a strange emotional baggage which comes with being a Jajabor. One can easily flow in and out of situations and places, sometimes losing oneself to the beauty of nature, sometimes to the raw brute ocean, sometimes to the mystical mountains and sometimes to nothing but that cup of coffee in the morning. Though it’s scary to think of losing oneself, after a point,this feeling is addictive to the point of craving.
Jajabor is about Freedom, the real one where it isn’t just about you do what you want. It comes with the essence of freedom to make a choice when you have multiple choices, the freedom to be conservative or to be bold, the freedom to unlearn and learn, the freedom to define your own success and own path, the freedom to be courageous and encounter rejections and failure, the freedom to discover, explore and create.
The Pathos
But. There is always a but. With all of the positive aura around the wandering and nomadic nature, there is always a risky side to the adventures, a risk averse conditioned mentality to the bold choices, the feeling of society comparing you to the 99% peers and saying you are a failure, the pressure of material possessions, the unnatural comfort in uncomfortable situations, the challenge to break the mould, the incredibly strong feeling of not being meaningfully impactful which isn’t always true. The Pathos captures these self doubts and conflicts which if not worked upon can be disastrous in the long run.
The Logos
Why would someone want to be a Jajabor? I don’t think anyone is born one. Rather, situations tap into that freedom oriented soul inside each of us and kindle that flame. Logic or the Logos is essential to the decisions we make and to the arguments we put forth. However, if you will have observed, the greatest inspirations do not come from logic but from emotions, the greatest performances do not enthrall us from the tried and tested efficient steps but those sharp falls or rise in musical notes which tug at your emotions. This doesn’t mean there is no place for logic in the ether of a wandering nomad, it is omnipresent and crucial. Those baby steps in decision making, those seemingly insignificant choices, using Why before What and How before Where - all of these are a product of the Logos working in the sub conscience.
These three Deathly Hallows in unison somewhat capture the essence of a Jajabor and what it stands for. In reality however, Jajabor is a feeling of a way of life which words can try to but never completely express.
