Declaration on the Adoption of the Name “Leaf”

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On 31-01-2026, I formally adopted the name Leaf as the name by which I choose to be known in my intellectual, literary, philosophical, scientific, and all public-facing work.

For many years, I reflected on the question of identity, not as a legal formality but as a matter of inner alignment. Names are not merely labels assigned at birth. For thinkers, writers, and those engaged in long-form intellectual work, a name often becomes a vessel for one’s legacy, values, and direction. After sustained reflection, I arrived at the name Leaf as the most accurate and honest representation of how I wish to exist and be addressed in the world.

On the same date, 31-01-2026, I publicly declared this decision on Facebook in the following words:

Many thinkers and writers choose a name that carries their legacy, a name that they would be happy and proud to be addressed as. For years, I searched for mine, and after long reflection, I’ve chosen mine. Leaf. That’s how I’d like to be known. Please call me that.

Over different periods of my life and work, I have also been known by other names. In public and professional contexts, I have mostly been known as Bharat Luthra. Since childhood, I have additionally been called by names such as Fashion, Su, Cena, Pollock, Buggs, and Bhalu. I consider all such names as temporary or situational, not representative of a consciously chosen identity.

My original intent was to formalize this transition fully by changing my legal name from Bharat Bhushan to Leaf. However, in practice, I encountered a structural limitation across multiple database systems, platforms, and governance mechanisms. Most legal, institutional, and technological systems are not designed to accommodate a single-word name without a last name. This limitation results in persistent errors, identity mismatches, and operational friction across essential records and services.

In light of this systemic constraint, I have taken a deliberate and transparent decision to retain my legal name for official and administrative purposes, while adopting Leaf as my pseudonym and chosen name for all intellectual, creative, philosophical, scientific, and public discourse. This decision is not a retreat from intent but an adaptation to existing structural realities.

This declaration serves as a formal record that the name Leaf is not casual, temporary, or stylistic. It is a consciously adopted name, chosen after long consideration, and intended to represent my work, writings, and presence going forward. Wherever ambiguity arises between my legal name and my chosen name, this note should be taken as clarification of intent and continuity.

Names shape how one is addressed, remembered, and engaged with. Through this declaration, I assert my preference clearly and respectfully.

From 31-01-2026 onward, Leaf is the name I stand by.