The government is contemplating the presentation of a resolution during the forthcoming special session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22, with the intention of changing the official name of India to "Bharat." Currently, the Constitution of India refers to the country as "India, that is Bharat...," but there is a growing consensus to simplify it to just "Bharat."
The clamor to officially rename India as Bharat through a constitutional amendment has gained momentum, and credible sources suggest that the government might introduce a resolution to effect this change.
Distinguished personalities, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, have vocally expressed their support for this transition. Bhagwat has previously encouraged the populace to adopt the term "Bharat" instead of "India," underlining the historical usage of Bharat for centuries to denote the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has echoed similar sentiments in the past. On August 15, 2022, during his address from the Red Fort, he urged citizens to take five pledges, one of which pertained to breaking free from any vestiges of subjugation. This gesture was perceived as symbolically embracing the country's indigenous identity.
It is worth noting that the special aircraft utilized for the transportation of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister is emblazoned with the name "Bharat."
During the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal vehemently called for the removal of 'India' from the Constitution, contending that it represents colonial oppression. This sentiment found resonance with fellow BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav, who advocated for a constitutional amendment replacing "India" with "Bharat."
As the special parliamentary session is set to commence on September 18, speculation is rife that a constitutional amendment bill might be tabled to bring about this transformation.
While the official agenda for the session has not been disclosed, the prospect of such a bill cannot be discounted. Supporters of the name change believe that establishing a single indigenous name for the country will foster a sense of national pride and bolster the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Moreover, a notable incident surfaced recently when an official dinner invitation for G20 delegates from the Rashtrapati Bhawan referred to the officeholder as the 'President of Bharat,' deviating from the customary 'President of India.'
Leading the charge in highlighting this change was Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who pointed out the invitation. Ramesh remarked, "So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India.' Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: “Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.” But now even this “Union of States” is under assault."
