I just completed reading The Namesake by Jhuma Lahiri. A very nicely written book. Relations are portrayed beautifully. But what caught my attention was the concept behind nick names. In North India its common to have Nick names like monu,sonu, guddi, etc. In South India, you may have multiple names, but all the names will be meaningful ones. For e.g., Sita is the name given by elders, in school she will be Gayatri. But in Bengalis, it is a custom to have a bhalo naam and a daak naam. Bhalo naam is the formal name by which one would be known in school or college or office. Daak naam is the pet name ones family keeps. Selecting this pet name in itself is a task. And these names are weird, Bulty, Rumi, Budi and so on. But there lies a deeper meaning to this tradition. These names are meant to make one realize that life is not always serious, life is not just about struggle, life is not just about running for survival. Life at times is just for one self. Life is sweet cute and meaningless at times. Life should be enjoyed. It also shows closeness, friendliness, trust.
Don't we feel good when someone addresses us with a cute name? Don't we feel wanted and safe? I think this daak name tradition should be propagated across. So many cute names would come up. And at times, world may end up knowing one by Daak naam and not Bhalo naam and the world will belong to him. So what's your Daak naam??
Yesterday I had been to my cousin's place who has a 2 years old daughter. It's interesting to see the way the kid has grown. Every day she has a new thing to learn. Now like every 'proud' parent, my cousin started to play the 'tell me who is this' game with the kid. The kid answered patiently and happily coz every answer was followed with applauds. An hour later, we had a new visitor. The neighborhood aunty. She re-started the 'tell me who is this' game. And the kid continued answering with a smile. This made me get into a kids shoe and think of what he/she might be thinking at each age. Let me start with age Zero to 1 year. My parents hug and kiss me, I absolutely love it. I feel wanted. But why do they not talk properly? 'Mela thota baby thoyega,ghummi dayega ' . What the hell!! I do understand the language. Anywayz next comes the uncle next door, I was happy the first time he came and got me a gift. But was followed by a 'lu lu lu lu...
Hilarious.....
ReplyDeleteBeing a bong, you do have my endorsement. However embarrassing the pet names may be, they do play an integral role in our lives. The places where I am know by my daak naam, I live a playful carefree life. When I am called by my Bhalo naam, the experience is different. I highly recommend having multiple names. It makes for a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteBeing a bong, you do have my endorsement. However embarrassing the pet names may be, they do play an integral role in our lives. The places where I am know by my daak naam, I live a playful carefree life. When I am called by my Bhalo naam, the experience is different. I highly recommend having multiple names. It makes for a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteBhalo naam Maharshi and daak name is Raj..
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this i wish i had a daak naam.. :-P I'll try one for the new member may b
ReplyDeleteNicely written Srilekh... I will now look for a daak name for Advik.. btw my daak name is Dolly and Bhalo naam is Neha
ReplyDeleteNicely written Srilekh... I will now look for a daak name for Advik.. btw my daak name is Dolly and Bhalo naam is Neha
ReplyDelete