Indian "naming system"

I work in education with quite a number of Indian colleagues. One, who has a Ph. D. (doctorate) from an Indian university, introduced himself, when we first met, seven years ago, as Doctor Thakka. I introduced myself as Dave. We became, I think, good friends. (At least, we often ate together, at his home and in restaurants, and my wife and I went on local excursions with him, his wife and daughters. We stayed with him and his daughters in India. He and I have spent very many hours talking together, discussing work and all manner of other things.) In my own cultural terms, I'd say he's quite a close friend.

I no longer work with him but we exchange Emails. Always, I’ve been “Dave” and he’s been “Doctor Thakka”, so in Emails it’s Dear Dave/Dear Dr. Thakka (though he does sign mails with his first name). If he and I used a similar naming system, I (with a mere M.A.) would be “Mr. Dave”.

I’m aware, to some extent, of differences in forms of address (names used) in Indian and in British culture, but have a couple of questions:

1. What does the existing “ naming custom” between Dr. Thakka and myself say about the actual nature of our relationship, now in its eighth year, from his point of view?

2. Is he ever likely to say “Please call me Palash” (his first name) or is this “respect marking” likely to continue indefinitely?

1. What does the existing “ naming custom” between Dr. Thakka and myself say about the actual nature of our relationship, now in its eighth year, from his point of view?

2. Is he ever likely to say “Please call me Palash” (his first name) or is this “respect marking” likely to continue indefinitely?

Based on what you wrote, your relationship is solid. He may not say "call me Palash" however you can break the ground by calling him Palash during non-formal conversations. Frankly, calling oneself as Dr. Thakka is bit risky in my opinion, he may be confused with a medical doctor in an emergency.

If he and I used a similar naming system, I would be “Mr. Dave”.

I'd be surprised if no one in India calls you that. They call ME that all the time... Has nothing to do with fretting needlessly over degrees and salutations.

indians can adjust

indians can adjust

I just wish they wouldn't "adjust" themselves in public. Kinda creepy.

#4 yeah Something like forreigners walking half nude

Hello Pirate. I'm not in India, never was (for work) and your reply (#2) reveals, frankly, an almost total lack of understanding.

In fact, though, I made a significant mistake in my o. p. and apologise for this. I wouldn't be "Mr. Dave". My friend's family name is "Thakka", and so if we both used a similar naming system, I'd be "Mr. Smith", not "Mr. Dave".