“ You are westernized ” remarked one, on a thought I shared in the social networking site – FB . The
subject being “women adding an additional/double ‘surname’ once their marital
status changes”. Other comments – questions include “what will you do in your case?” ...”will you retain your second
name?”.... to which my answer was “ I will retain my second name” and pat! came the comment , you are westernized
I stated that it look
odd to see women having two surnames in /from my “home-land”
where the surname is actually a clan name. My point was, women can freely change
their surnames / second names. It is their choice to retain their surname even
after marriage or use / take husband’s second name, but need not take both, which
appear very unnecessary. Moreover , it is not mandatory or a compulsion.
Earlier, perhaps due
to my constant watch of the happenings in “mainland’ India, that happens to be reflected
in my interactions and thought-sharing, someone said to me “ you have become very “mainland”.
Mistaken identity ( or identity crisis? my behavior ? ) is indeed my frequent encounter. Like this one guy , whom I encountered on many occasions , one
fine day, came over to me and said “I am
so sorry, I thought you are a Meitei.!!”
His remark took some-time to sink in . A few minutes later , I just managed to mumble ...it’s okay !!
Delhi is a political capital, where people are
quite aware and conscious of socio- politics, especially if your work takes you
to meetings, rallies, conference, rubbing shoulders with the conscious and the
‘enlightened’ circles.
Are you Naga ?
..No
Huh..which state ?
..Manipur
Meitei ?
..No ..
Which tribe ?..
Ummm..
Which district?
On the other hand, there were
of course who scored less marks in Anthropology and Geography
Are you from Nepal ?
..No
From where?
...India
...India
Which state ?
..Manipur
Some did not ask
further( they have a blank expression) , while some would ask ..Where is Manipur ?
I wonder ,
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