I would choose My New name: “Anant Manav.”😂😂

Daily writing prompt

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood, just as I am while writing it.

Today’s writing prompt is rather unusual and hypothetical, but it has sparked a curious and joyful reflection within me.

The question reads: “If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?”

At first glance, it may seem trivial—just a name, after all. But when I pondered deeply, I realized that names carry immense meaning.

They are not merely labels; they are the first identity the world knows us by, the melody our loved ones call us with, and often, a reflection of our personality, destiny, or even legacy.

The Name I Was Given

My current name is Vijay Kumar Verma—a beautiful, noble name given by my parents with love and hope. Vijay means “victory,” and I believe they wanted me to be victorious in life, to overcome the hurdles with strength and dignity.

And to a large extent, I have lived up to it. Life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve emerged resilient and content.

Yet, names have power. They carry vibrations. They influence how we are perceived by others and, more importantly, how we perceive ourselves.

While I cherish my given name and the history it holds, if I were given a chance today — purely for imagination’s sake — I might choose a name that reflects who I have become, not just who I was born as.

What Would I Change It To?

After some contemplation, I would choose the name: “Anant Manav.”

Let me explain why.

Anant, in Sanskrit, means infinite, limitless, or eternal. It symbolizes the boundless potential of the soul, the idea that learning and creativity know no age or boundary.

Post-retirement, I discovered dimensions within myself I never knew existed—poetry, painting, storytelling, filmmaking!

I often feel like a river that has just found its course after decades of stillness. “Anant” captures this rebirth perfectly.

Manav, meaning human, grounds me. It reminds me that despite all talents, achievements, or aspirations, I am still and always will be a humble human being—seeking growth, love, and connection. It reflects compassion, simplicity, and humility.

Together, Anant Manav is not just a name—it’s a philosophy I aspire to live by: an infinite human, ever-evolving, ever-creating.

Special remarks received from my friends on Paper-Plate... ❤️❤️

Why the Thought Matters

Some may say, “What’s the need to change your name now, at this age?” And I smile, because this exercise is not about legalities or public declarations. It is about reclaiming identity.

Our names are the titles of our life stories. Just as authors sometimes revise the title of their books to better suit the plot, why can’t we, too, reimagine our name as a reflection of who we are today?

In childhood, we are named by others. But in maturity, we begin to name ourselves— through actions, dreams, values, and yes, even words like these. A name can be a mirror of one’s inner evolution.

Moreover, this fun little prompt opened a door to introspection: Who am I? What do I stand for? What values guide me today?

If I had to introduce myself to the world afresh, what essence would I like to convey?

Names that Inspire

Throughout history, many have changed their names to align with their true selves:

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi became Mahatma Gandhi—”the great soul.”
  
• Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali, embracing his faith and identity.
  
• Even Siddhartha became Buddha—the awakened one.

Of course, I am no revolutionary sage or boxing legend, but the idea remains relevant for all of us: growth sometimes calls for a new title.

A Name Beyond Ego

Choosing “Anant Manav” is not an act of ego but of deep self-awareness. It signifies that I have moved from the world of numbers and banking (where names are records) to the world of emotions and creativity (where names are expressions).

It speaks to the inner journey I’ve undertaken post-retirement—a journey of rediscovery, where life begins anew each day.

If my art touches someone’s heart, or my writing brings a smile to your face, then that infinite connection between human souls is exactly what Anant Manav is all about.

My final submission

I remain Vijay Kumar Verma to the world, and proudly so. That name is stitched into the fabric of my life, my family, and my memories.

But if ever I had to pick a name by choice, it would be Anant Manav—a name that reflects the vastness of my dreams and the humility of my journey.

And who knows? Maybe, in my next poem or painting, you’ll spot this name hidden in the corner—a little wink to this joyful exercise in imagination.😂

Until then, dear friends, tell me—what would your new name be?

Warmly,
Vijay, aka Anant Manav (just for today!)😂
http://www.retiredkalam.com/

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