India is contemplating a potential renaming to “Bharat,” with this development arising after an official invitation sent to G20 Heads of State and ministers for a dinner event hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, who was addressed as “President of Bharat.”
The proposal to rename India is expected to be discussed during a Special Session of Parliament. This move aims to avoid any confusion with the Opposition alliance, INDIA, as previous invitations used the title “President of the Republic of India.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government, characterizing their actions as an attack on the Constitution. He stated, “Mr. Modi can persist in distorting history and dividing India, that is Bharat, which is a Union of States. However, we remain resolute.”
Ramesh’s comments came after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat suggested using “Bharat” instead of “India.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also voiced similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to embrace the nation’s indigenous identity.
It’s noteworthy that the special aircraft used for transporting top government officials already bears the name “Bharat” prominently inscribed on it.
During the recent monsoon session of Parliament, there were calls to remove ‘India’ from the Constitution, with some arguing that it symbolizes colonial slavery.
With a special session of Parliament scheduled for September 18, there is speculation that a constitutional amendment bill may be introduced to implement this proposed change. Supporters of the name change believe that adopting a single, indigenous name for the nation would enhance national pride and emphasize the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The Constitution establishes that ‘India, referred to as Bharat,’ forms a ‘Union of States.’ This critical article in India’s constitution outlines the nation’s territorial boundaries and deals with matters related to nomenclature.
The term ‘India’ has historical ties to the Indus River, while ‘Bharat’ has been considered an indigenous translation of the word ‘India.’ Indian passports issued to citizens feature the official names “Bharat Ganrajya” in Hindi and “Republic of India” in English.
