India, Aug. 27 -- A broken mixer once meant a visit to the neighbourhood repairman. A torn shirt went to the tailor, a watch to the watchmaker, and a damaged chair to the carpenter. Today, the instinct is often different: search for a replacement online. The convenience is undeniable, but something significant is being lost - the habit of repair.

Modern consumer culture has made replacement economically and psychologically attractive. Products are cheaper, fashions change faster, and technology evolves. Many devices are difficult to open, batteries are sealed, and spare parts can be expensive. In such a marketplace, repairing can appear irrational when a new one promises immediate satisfaction.

Yet the apparent efficiency of replacement...