India is reportedly contemplating a potential alteration to its official name, favoring the term “Bharat,” as per reports from Indian media outlets. This shift became apparent when India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, extended an official dinner invitation to G20 leaders, introducing herself as the “President of Bharat” instead of the previously used “President of the Republic of India.”
A Special Session of Parliament is anticipated to convene for discussions on this proposed renaming. It seems that one of the motivations behind this change is to distinguish the nation’s name from the political alliance known as INDIA.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, expressed his support for the potential change on social media (formerly Twitter), highlighting it as a significant step in the evolution of the nation’s identity.
In contrast, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government, characterizing this move as an assault on the Indian Constitution.
“Modi can continue to reinterpret history and create divisions within India, which is Bharat, a Union of States. However, we will stand firm. After all, what is the goal of Indian political parties? It is BHARAT—signifying Bring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation, And Trust. Bharat will unite, and India will triumph!” he conveyed via social media.
BJP’s Member of Parliament, Harnath Singh Yadav, voiced his preference for the name “Bharat” over “India” in an interview with an Indian news agency. He asserted that “India” was a nomenclature imposed during British colonial rule, whereas “Bharat” is deeply entwined with the essence of Indian culture and history.
