In a recent development, senior Congress leader and Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan expressed his disappointment over not being able to include his mother's name in his full name during the swearing-in ceremony held on Monday. Responding to the controversy surrounding his full name -- Vadasseri Damodaran Menon Satheesan -- Satheesan stated that he felt saddened by the inability to honor his mother in the same manner.
Background of the Name Row
The row erupted after Satheesan took the oath of office using his full name, which includes his father's name but not his mother's. Critics questioned the omission, prompting Satheesan to clarify his stance. He emphasized that while he respects his mother deeply, the traditional naming convention in his community does not typically include the mother's name.
Satheesan's Response
Speaking to the media, Satheesan said, "I am sad that I couldn't use my mother's name too. It is a personal regret, but I had to follow the customary format as per my family and community traditions." He further added that he holds his mother in high esteem and her influence on his life is immense.
Political Reactions
The issue has sparked debates on social media and political circles, with some supporting Satheesan's adherence to tradition and others calling for a change in patriarchal naming practices. The Congress party has backed its leader, stating that the naming convention is a personal matter and should not be politicized.
Satheesan's full name, Vadasseri Damodaran Menon Satheesan, includes his father's name (Damodaran) and his family name (Menon), but excludes his mother's name. The incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing discussion about gender equality in naming practices in India.
