Santha Rama Rau’s autobiographical essay, “By Any Other Name,” delves into the theme of cultural and personal identity. The story takes place in British India during the early 1940s when the author and her sister, Premila, are sent to a British-run school. Rama Rau explores the struggles and challenges faced by young Indian girls in a colonial education system that disregards their cultural heritage. Through her poignant narrative, the author highlights the importance of embracing one’s cultural identity and the profound impact it has on personal growth and self-acceptance.
1. The clash between indigenous culture and British colonial education:
Rama Rau begins her essay by depicting the stark contrast between the rich cultural traditions of her Hindu home and the strictly British education system. Her name is Anglicized, and she is expected to conform to British norms. This clash sets the stage for the larger theme of identity and the subsequent challenges that the girls face throughout their education.
2. The loss of identity:
As Rama Rau and her sister enter the school, they are met with an environment that is alien to their culture. They are forced to abandon their traditional clothes, hairstyles, and even their native language. The author describes their longing for their authentic cultural identities, which are gradually eroded by the British education system. This loss ultimately leads to a sense of confusion and detachment from their roots.
3. The persistence of cultural identity:
Despite the pressures of assimilation, Rama Rau emphasizes their resilience in holding onto specific cultural practices and beliefs. She highlights the importance of retaining native languages and customs as a way to preserve individuality and heritage. These small acts become powerful symbols of resistance against cultural erasure.
4. The power of names:
One poignant symbol in the essay is the sisters’ refusal to respond to their Anglicized names. By rejecting these imposed names, they assert their right to their authentic identities. Through this act, Rama Rau highlights the significance of one’s name in shaping personal and cultural identity. Names hold historical, familial, and cultural connections that must not be dismissed or replaced.
5. The transformative influence of culture:
As the author embraces her culture, she discovers a profound sense of belonging and self-acceptance. Rama Rau describes experiencing a newfound freedom and confidence as she reintegrates herself with her Indian heritage. This transformative experience underscores the power of cultural identity in shaping one’s self-perception and overall wellbeing.
“By Any Other Name” explores the intricate relationship between cultural identity, personal growth, and self-acceptance. Rama Rau’s autobiographical essay highlights the challenges faced by young Indian girls forced to conform to a British education system that disregards their cultural heritage. However, it also signifies the resilience and importance of preserving one’s cultural identity. The essay serves as a reminder that embracing and celebrating one’s heritage is crucial for personal fulfillment and cultivating a diverse and inclusive society. By valuing and honoring cultural identities, we pave the way for a more tolerant and accepting world.
