[J.H. Herring]

Why do some Indians have the “ji” added to their names? “Gandhi-ji” is one example of adding it to a surname (Mohandas Gandhi), but Pandit Nehru was often addressed as “Pandit-ji.” What does “ji” mean in the first place, and why is it added to surnames in some cases and first names in others?

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Name : J.H. Herring, Gender : M, Age : 35+, City : North Lauderdale, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : Consultant, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Kapil K.]

“Ji” is a Hindi word used as a suffix on names to show respect. For example, we use “Mataji” or “Pitaji” for addressing our parents. We don’t use anything analogous in English.

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Name : Kapil K., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Asian, Age : 23, City : Denver, State : CO, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

[C. Madiah]

It’s there to show respect. Just as we add “san” to Japanese names, i.e. “Yoshisan,” we add Ji to Indian names. Ji is always added to the last name. In the case of Nehru, ji was added to “pandit,” which was a title and not a part of his name.

By the way, there is only one type of Indian -those from Asia. I am sure that red natives are not pleased with a drunken Spaniard, Columbus, calling them Indians. I feel they need to get back to being what they were, i.e. Sioux, Cherokee, Apache, etc.

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Name : C. Madiah, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Indian/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, City : Littleton, State : CO, Country : United States, Occupation : Doctor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

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