Namasthe India

Back after a long hiatus . 

There was an interesting discussion last night at a friend’s party on how to address people. The point of discussion was on

Do we flaunt Indian-ness and call each other Kapoorji or Reddy gaaru and say Namasthe or Namashkar or slip into a more global way of greeting people Hello/ Hi or just a head nod or handshake

Salutations are a way of acknowledging the presence of a person when we meet them or leave. Rank or age definitely calls for an appropriate way of addressing by sheer virtue of power, position or respect. Work-related communication also requires a certain degree of formality.  But many corporate companies are shifting to addressing each other by first name basis to get a more friendly work environment .

But how about at a social gathering

Do we say a Namasthe, Namashkar, Vanakkum to peer level people?

Do the twitteratti, facebookers and blackberry kids even use these terms ?

And at what age do we start suffixing a Ji (Hindi) … gaaru (Telugu) .. awargal (Tamil)

I couldn't find any agreed upon criteria in the internet . So a lets get a li’l situational just for kicks.  At a birthday party a friend introduces another friend 

Friend – Meet Suresh Raju, my chaddi dost

Me (How do I address this guy... anyways he does not look good but seems full of money ...May need him for business purpose later .. so let me go the formal way)

- Namasthe Suresh Raju gaaru

Suresh (Ugghh..Why is she addressing me so formally...Didn't she see my I Fone 5, my Armani shirt and my Italian shoes .. damn the Armani .. Is the logo too small or am I looking so old? Anyways  I can't even flirt with her now)  - Namasthe Madamji ... 

Friend - (Jeez.. whats going on? .. thought that 'gaaru' for the Old and the ordinary... not the Bold and beautiful ) - ????!!!!!!

Jesus  -   ???!!!!......Should send another Superstorm Sandy or may be a mad guy with a gun .. Do not take Gods name in vain

The birthday guy who is 3 drinks down already - 
                            A wife is addressed Ma'am, short for Madam
                      The husband is addressed Sir ... short for Servant??