From Trembling to Triumph: How a Name Became a Source of Strength
For Priti Ubhayakar, the simple act of introducing herself was once a source of deep dread and anxiety. Growing up with a name that many struggled to pronounce, she endured years of embarrassment and teasing, which eroded her self-confidence and connection to her Indian heritage.
A Childhood Marred by Mispronunciation
From her earliest school days in the UK, Priti faced the inevitable mangling of her full name, Priti Ubhayakar. Teachers and classmates often resorted to calling her "pretty," a nickname that led to cruel taunts and left her feeling ashamed. She recalls squirming in her seat during roll calls, anticipating the awkward attempts and rushing to correct them to avoid further discomfort.
This shame followed her across continents when her family moved to the US in the mid-1990s. There, her English accent complicated introductions, as Americans would mimic her pronunciation or she would awkwardly adjust her speech. The fear of new encounters became so overwhelming that she developed a strategy of letting friends introduce her, just to escape the ordeal.
The Turning Point in Mumbai
Everything changed in 2004 when Priti took a job in Mumbai, India. On her first day, her boss greeted her with a perfect pronunciation of her name: "Pree-thi." This moment was transformative. For the first time, she heard her name spoken with the respect and accuracy it deserved, echoing how her family had always said it.
In India, she was surrounded by people who effortlessly used her correct name, whether in offices, restaurants, or local shops. This experience allowed her to shed the unshakable belief that there was something wrong with her name—and, by extension, with herself. It helped her reconcile her Indian identity with her upbringing in England and life in the US.
A Lasting Legacy of Confidence
Returning to the US after a year and a half, Priti carried a newfound steeliness. She now introduces herself with pride, no longer relying on others to speak for her. This small exchange with her boss has empowered her to embrace her heritage openly and make meaningful references to it in daily life.
Moreover, she has become an advocate for proper name pronunciation, taking care to learn and use others' names correctly, even if it requires multiple attempts. Priti's journey illustrates how something as personal as a name can profoundly impact one's sense of self, turning a source of insecurity into a symbol of strength and cultural pride.
