of names

Though Shakespeare (rather who ever) said what's in the name; we always associate a lot to the names and surnames. Back in the old times when Doordarshan was not eclipsed by hundreds of cable TV channels, a super serial "Surabhi" was telecast. It touched so many hearts that people started naming new-born movies by the serial's name.

Another wave hit the coast in the early 90s when Aishwarya Rai won the Miss World (or MIssUniverse?). Several new born babies were named 'Aishwarya'. Here is a story of an 'Aishwarya'. A young girl named 'Aishwarya' was always asked by her friends, school-mates, relatives whther she is named after Aishwarya Rai. Her answer was 'No'. Many kept silent on this answer. Some further asked if she was named after the Queen Aishwarya of Nepal. This kept going on for days. Finally, one of her teachers guessed the true meaning. 'Aishwarya' means wealth, prosperity. The girl was indeed very happy to find meaning of her name appreciated.

Such is the sentiments with names. The latest I heard was a new serial that is going to start. It is named "Ravan". Need I say which wave is going to hit us?