As India prepares to host the G20 leaders, the country finds itself in the midst of a heated debate regarding the alleged renaming of India to Bharat. The controversy erupted when a G20 dinner invitation was issued in the name of the ‘President of Bharat,’ rather than the traditional ‘President of India,’ sparking speculations about an imminent name change.
The ensuing discussions have been divisive, with contrasting views within the political landscape. The INDIA bloc, representing those opposed to the name change, protested what they perceived as an “assault” on the unity of India. In contrast, the NDA faction welcomed the use of ‘Bharat,’ arguing that ‘India’ was a name imposed during the colonial era.
Although the Central government has not officially confirmed the renaming process, the usage of ‘President of Bharat’ on the invitation and ‘Prime Minister of Bharat’ in official communications suggests that this might not be an impulsive decision. It appears to be a deliberate move to shed colonial-era nomenclature.
The debate around the name ‘India’ gained momentum when the Opposition formed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), drawing parallels with East India Company, Indian Mujahideen, and Popular Front of India (PFI), all of which include ‘India’ in their names. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even likened this to a strategic branding tactic used by these entities.
In his address on Independence Day, PM Modi emphasized the need to break free from a mindset of subjugation and eliminate the remnants of colonial thinking. He urged the nation to liberate itself from the mindset of slavery, which has influenced various aspects of Indian life for centuries.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed concerns about the name ‘INDIA,’ deeming it “khatarnaak” or dangerous. He drew parallels with the BJP’s ‘India Shining’ campaign, which ultimately faced electoral setbacks.
Since the issuance of the G20 dinner invitation with ‘President of Bharat,’ many BJP leaders and NDA coalition parties have endorsed the name ‘Bharat.’ While the official proposal to rename the country remains uncertain, the likelihood of such a change is not negligible.
The potential renaming of India to Bharat carries significant historical and cultural implications, sparking a debate about the nation’s identity and the legacy of colonial influence. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether this change will become a reality, shaping the country’s future identity.