The Legacy of Surnames.

This story started years ago. Of course this is the story of my family. And our history with surnames. Yes! That's where we have History!This story, like truth, has many versions. But the one that I love goes as follows.

So in the 50s, not of my life, but of the last century, a man called Dr. Saksena had 3 kids. The daughters got his surnames, but his son didn't (Didnt I say we were a different type of clan?). The boy (being my father), was rechristened by his Nana, got the surname of Kumar. Which he carried with him effortlessly from school to school, college to college and later Job to Job. City to City. His badge of honour!

At the time, they said Kumar was a better surname that Saksena! And time passed. That boy, had a daughter who also carried the same surname, but with a lot more displeasure.

She contended that it was bland, like Khichdi. It didn't carry weight. Or substance. Or lineage. As she loved films, they cited her the example of Dilip Kumar (too over the top she said), Sanjeev Kumar (whom she loved), but then there was Manoj Kumar, AshokmKumar, Anoop Kumar and Rajendra Kumar. Her contention was that none of their kids also carried those surnames! Kumar. What didn't help their argument was that her name meant nothing too! Mitu. So a name that means nothing and a surname that says nothing. Ideally it was a great combo!

But she decided at 30 to drop one of the two! Thankfully it was the surname. After all, her name was Mitu in all documents so, a lot of unnecessary labor!

Mitu it was. And remained. After all, what was her option? Saksena. Kumar. And there, some people are spoilt for choice! So she went with Positive Mitu. Always Positive Mitu. But nothing else.

Fast foward years later. There came Mitu's daughter. Happily Mitu called her Aryahi (which meant something!) Mitu, taking her name forward.

And then one day, Aryahi turned to ask Mitu why she doesn't have her dad's surname. Mitu wrinkled up her nose and said "Coz I didn't like it!" Aryahi double wrinkled her nose and said "I don't like my surname too."

Family legacy was established and the tradition of changing the surname went down another generation. Mitu sighed at Karma being served. Right at the dining table.

Oh, did I mention Aryahi was 3? And her favourite is Nana.

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