NAMESAKE

                                                                                                                                                                   
10.06.1993.It was a breezy morning, around 3.40am a cry was heard in an hospital at Bangalore. A cry which bought smiles on faces of people. First kid of third generation of the family was born. Everyone wanted to take her in their hands, kiss her tiny eyes, cute little feet and rosy cheeks. Happy tears were seen on her mom's face as she was born after four years of her intense prayers. She was not only her daughter but a boon gifted by god. But, one question was running in everyone mind, "What will the princess be called?"

                 The kid was addressed with every possible nick names like chellam, bangaru( means gold in Tamil and  Telugu), nanna, sweety, princi, khanna, shona,etc. Everyone in the family had their own names for her. Yet, no one had answer for the question, what would be her name? And at last they decided to give her a permanent name. They consulted the most powerful man in ones life, their 'astrologer'. He told them that their daughter would have a bright future if her name started with the letters 'ga' or 'gee'(according to their regional language). Discussions began in the family, the mother referred every possible book for a beautiful Indian name. as said by Shakespeare, "What's in a name?", was this much discussion required. The grandmother wanted to keep the name of an Indian goddess which definitely ended with the word Devi. Maternal uncle, was against the whole concept of astrology, he wanted her to be named as Nimisha or Prarthana, but these names were against what astrologer said. The father came up with a name, "Gangotri", but it was rejected as there was a belief that, baby would suffer if she was given the name of a river. Here comes the maternal aunt with a name and it was the name of her favourite Telugu movie too, "Gitanjali", but mother rejects it saying its the most common name in neighbouring state i.e. Andra Pradesh!!

                   Mother had the habit of reading books. One afternoon she was reading a book of poetry's. The name of the book was "Amruthamkurisina Rathri" written by Devarakonda Balgangadhar Tilak. Her eye feel on the eighty sixth poetry, It spoke about ones plight at summer days. The name of the poem was "Greeshmam", which means summer. And the discussions in the family ended there.They all liked the name. and the princess was named as Greeshma, oops! How can we forget her caste, after all we are Indians! She was named as Greeshma Naidu.On September 27,1993, a grand naming ceremony was taken place in their family house. The ceremony was celebrated in typical south Indian style.

                    Now after 19 years, 5months, 19 days, the same kid is writing an article of instances which had happened without her knowledge. Yes. its my story, the story of how I got my name. I'm sure there will be a story behind all your names. Ask your parents or elders in the family about it, they'll be more than happy to share it with you. And please do share the story with me. Am waiting to hear all your stories.