A name doesn't represent a person's physical qualities or mental status. But when people are called by a certain name, over time, the name eventually becomes a part of them. Pushpa Kamal Dahal's name was perhaps chosen with love and care, but when he went underground and started the 'People's War', the Maoist chairman changed his name to Prachanda. Now, the war is over, but he is reluctant to let go of his alias. Is it because he takes more pride in the work he did as Prachanda than as Pushpa Kamal?

Pushpa Kamal Dahal was an admirable student, teacher, and friend. Prachanda ordered bloodshed, destruction, and war. In this time of peace, Nepalis expect Dahal to demonstrate the same courage that he did on the battlefield, but channelled into productive ends. It will be difficult for people to trust him if he holds on to his war name. When Pushpa Kamal Dahal lets go of that, people will finally feel that the years of bloodshed are over. And he's not the only one. All Maoist leaders who used an alias during the war need to let go of the past and move on.