Indian American Creatives Celebrate Heritage And The Power Of Names

India-West Staff Reporter

‘My Name Is Long as a River,’ Penguin Workshop, for children aged 4-8

In a new picture book, ‘My Name Is Long as a River,’ author Suma Subramaniam and illustrator Tara Anand tell the story of a young girl named Kaveri who learns to appreciate the beauty and significance of her long name. The tale, inspired by Subramaniam’s own heritage, highlights the importance of cultural identity and the pride that comes from understanding one’s roots.

Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan, often preferring to be called “Kav,” initially sees nothing special about her lengthy name. However, her grandmother, Paati, reveals the deep connections her name has to her family’s heritage, her birthplace, and the powerful river they cross for the Pushkaram Festival. Through this journey, Kaveri discovers the magic and history embedded in her name, leading to a newfound sense of empowerment.

Subramaniam reflects on the inspiration behind the story, noting, “A name when pronounced correctly is a comforting feeling to everyone involved. It is like seeing a friendly face or the sound of a familiar and well-loved piece of music. Even though some names may seem long or difficult to say, they can be embraced with a little bit of practice. For children, nothing could be more self-boosting and reassuring than holding a piece of history and the warmth of their families inside them.”

Kaveri’s name is rich with significance. It is shared with the sacred Kaveri river in India, revered as the Goddess Kaveriamma, and the author’s grandmother. Thanjavur is a historic city in South India where the author’s ancestors lived. Jayalakshmi, used for special ceremonies, connects Kaveri to the author herself, while Ganesan is a tribute to Subramaniam’s grandfather.

Suma Subramaniam is an accomplished author of several children’s and young adult books, including Namaste Is a Greeting, She Sang for India, The Runaway Dosa, and A Bindi Can Be…. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and resides in Seattle.

Illustrator Tara Anand, based in New York City and has worked on various editorial and children’s book projects. She primarily uses gouache in her artwork and enjoys reading in her spare time.