Debate Ignites Over ‘Bharat’ vs. ‘India’: G20 Invitation Sparks Discussion on India’s Official Name

Debate Ignites as G20 Invitation Features ‘President of Bharat’ Instead of ‘President of India

Invitations to the upcoming G20 conference have recently reignited the dispute over India’s official name. These invites, which were sent out by the President’s office, stood apart because Droupadi Murmu was addressed as the “President of Bharat” rather than the usual “President of India.”

This ostensibly symbolic act has rekindled discussions about whether “Bharat” should be our nation’s official name.

These invitations’ use of the word “Bharat” did not go unnoticed, and it sparked a variety of responses from both governmental figures and common people. Jairam Ramesh, a senior member of the Congress, expressed his concerns about the situation on social media. The invitations had changed, he conceded, and he questioned what that meant, especially in light of Article 1 of the Indian Constitution.

Himanta Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, too chimed in on the debate by publicly backing the phrase by calling India the “Republic of Bharat” on social media.

In the meantime, Tarun Chug, the national general secretary of the BJP, stood by the use of “Bharat” and slammed the concerns voiced by Congress.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, offered his opinion, saying that he saw no problem with calling the nation “Bharat.” He reiterated that there should be no debate about the fact that our country is called “Bharat.”

It’s interesting to note that during India’s G20 chairmanship, the word “Bharat” appeared in a G20 pamphlet sent to international delegates. The booklet “Bharat, The Mother Of Democracy” emphasized “Bharat” while emphasizing India’s rich democratic tradition.

According to recent reports, the government could propose an official request to rename India as Bharat at a special session of Parliament that is set to take place from September 18 to 22. Members of Parliament, notably BJP MPs Naresh Bansal as well as Harnath Singh Yadav, have pledged their support for this plan. They contend that “India” is burdened by colonial history and should be changed to “Bharat” to more accurately reflect our cultural identity.

In conclusion, despite what may appear to be a small alteration, the usage of “Bharat” in G20 invitations has reopened a crucial discussion about the identity of our country. The rich historical and cultural significance of “Bharat” should be taken into account as this discussion progresses. Along with being in line with our Constitution and striking a chord with many residents, it not only ties us to our distant past. It could be time to formally adopt “Bharat” as the name of our country to represent our unity in diversity and to honor our distinctive cultural tapestry.

The term “Bharat” defies India’s colonial past. We were given the name “India” as a result of British colonial dominance. It evokes perceptions of a time when our nation was subject to foreign powers and carries the remnants of a colonial past. By deciding on “Bharat” as our formal name, we are able to let go of our colonial past and establish our status as an independent country.

‘G20 Invitation’ Article By Debanjana Talukdar

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