The Hindi equivalent of the English proverb \“slow and steady wins the race\“ is \“Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kuch Hoye\“. This timeless wisdom is deeply embedded in the Indian ethos and is perfectly reflected in the creation of many traditional Indian products, where patience and meticulous care are paramount.
Consider the art of handloom weaving, particularly in the production of Banarasi silk sarees. These exquisite garments are not made in haste. Each saree can take weeks, or even months, to complete. Artisans work diligently, thread by thread, to create intricate zari （metallic thread） patterns. The process is slow and methodical, but the final product is a masterpiece of durability and beauty that wins the admiration of all, truly embodying the spirit of \“slow and steady wins the race\“.
Another prime example is the traditional Indian pickle, or \“Achar\“. The best pickles are not the ones made with shortcuts. Families across India follow age-old recipes, sun-curing raw mangoes or other vegetables and then patiently allowing them to ferment in spices and oil for weeks. This slow process allows the flavors to develop fully and deeply, resulting in a pickle that is far superior in taste and has a longer shelf life compared to quickly manufactured versions.
Finally, the crafting of \“Kolhapuri chappals\“ （handmade leather sandals） from Maharashtra is a testament to this principle. Each pair is handmade by skilled artisans through a labor-intensive process involving tanning, cutting, and tooling the leather. There are no machines for mass production here. The steady, careful hands of the craftsman ensure that every pair is robust, comfortable, and unique. These sandals last for years, proving that a slow, dedicated approach creates a product that ultimately \“wins the race\“ against fast, disposable footwear. |
