In a surprising turn of events, a special five-day session of the Indian Parliament has been convened from September 18, sparking intense speculations inter alia about a potential change in the country’s name from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’.
This move has ignited a passionate debate, with proponents citing historical and cultural significance, while opponents view it as a political manoeuvre.
The root of this debate lies in the historical context of the two names. ‘India’ is a term with colonial origins, bestowed upon the nation by the British. In contrast, ‘Bharat’ traces its lineage back to ancient times and is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural heritage, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Some argue that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is pushing for the change as the opposition parties have banded together as I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance) towards forming a political bloc. They contend that using the name ‘Bharat’ as stated in the Constitution would be more fitting.
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution states “India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states and territory of India consists of the states, union territories specified in the first schedule and other acquired territories”. Some question the need for two names, while others argue that Article 77 (Conduct of business of the Government of India) and Article 52 (there shall be a President of India), which reference the ‘Government of India’ and the President of India, respectively, would need constitutional amendments if the name were to be officially changed.
Constitutional experts, however, assert that Article 1 holds the key to resolving this ambiguity.
This is not the first time this issue has arisen. In 2020, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a name change to ‘Bharat’. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the case, emphasizing that both names are already recognized in the Constitution.
India is a diverse nation of people belonging to numerous faiths and cultures, with 22 officially recognized languages. The term ‘Bharat’ has ancient roots in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, making it a symbol of cultural continuity.
Throughout history, various conquerors, including the Greeks, Persians, Mughals, and British, have attempted to occupy India, but the people have held onto their cultural identity.
The Constituent Assembly, which drafted India’s Constitution, engaged in extensive debates over whether to use ‘India’ or ‘Bharat’.
Ultimately, Article 1 was crafted to reflect the unity of India or Bharat as a union of states, showcasing the nation’s identity to the world.
Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, preferred using ‘Bharat’ extensively, while subsequent leaders also leaned more toward ‘Bharat’. The debate gained renewed vigour with the present Government making ‘Bharat’ a prominent term in the September 9 dinner invite extended to G20 heads of States.
The inclusion of ‘India’ during the Partition era aimed to appease the British, who held significant global political influence. English, as the dominant language, further propagated the name ‘India’ worldwide. India comprises 29 states and recognizes 15 official languages, reflecting its linguistic and cultural diversity. Each state has named its region based on language and culture.
The word ‘India’ is derived from Sanskrit, which unifies all these diverse elements. However, recent attempts to politicize this name change have raised concerns.
The Opposition’s choice to name itself the I.N.D.I.A. may be a strategic political move. Still, it has sparked a desire among ruling party members to embrace the constitutional name ‘Bharat’, which has deep cultural and historical roots.
In conclusion, the debate over whether to call the country ‘India’ or ‘Bharat’ has historical, cultural, and political dimensions. While the two names may be used interchangeably by the average Indian, it is crucial to strike a balance between acknowledging the country’s rich cultural heritage and maintaining a united national identity.
The ultimate decision, whether to officially change the name, rests on careful consideration of India’s history and values.
