Have you ever wondered what is there in a name? For me, it has been nothing short of a comedy show that played out in classrooms, offices, and even on my very own office door. Names, after all, are supposed to be an identity — but mine has taken on a life of its own.

In my chapter What is There in a Name, I humorously share the many ways my name has been twisted over the years. The illustration in the chapter captures it perfectly: a notice on my office door announcing a meeting with several of my “avatars.” At first glance, the name on the door seems fine, but look closely and you’ll see it’s spelled “Sir Inivasan.”

No, I wasn’t knighted (though that would make for a great story). This version came from two good friends and colleagues. My long-time research partner, Francisco Arcelus from Spain, fondly called me “Si-ri-ini.” Meanwhile, my colleague from Bangladesh, Abdur, had been calling me “Siri” long before Apple launched its famous digital assistant.

These nicknames, while often hilarious, became a testament to the quirks of friendship, cross-cultural work environments, and the limits of office signage. They also remind me that names, like people, evolve through the relationships and stories we share.

So, what is there in a name? For me — laughter, friendship, and a reminder to never take life too seriously.