Unpacking the Bharat Mata Controversy: What You Need to Know

In 2016, Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the RSS, urged young people to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” at every opportunity. This sparked a strong response from Asaduddin Owaisi, who said he wouldn’t do so even under threat. Recently, in June 2025, tensions flared again in Kerala. The state’s Governor, Arlekar, hosted an event for Scouts that featured an image of Bharat Mata resembling a Hindu goddess, complete with a saffron flag.

The Kerala Education Minister boycotted the event. He congratulated the winners but left, leading the Governor to take offense. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized this action, calling it anti-constitutional since Bharat Mata isn’t defined that way in the Constitution. Education Minister Sivankutty emphasized that nationalism should reflect India’s diverse culture, not merely a single image or ideology. He pointed out that India’s identity is rooted in its pluralistic and democratic principles.

Vijayan also voiced concern over the Governor using his position to push RSS ideology. The concept of Bharat Mata dates back to the mid-19th century when Azimullah Khan coined the phrase “mader-e-vatan Bharat ki jai.” He wanted to uplift the image of India amidst British disdain.

During the freedom struggle, many leaders used Bharat Mata to inspire unity. Jawaharlal Nehru famously described Bharat Mata in a way that included all aspects of the nation—not just rivers and mountains, but its people. In contrast, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee presented Bharat Mata as a Hindu goddess in his novel “Anand Math,” which inspired the song “Vande Mataram.” Interestingly, only the first two stanzas were adopted as the national song, while the more inclusive “Jana Gana Mana” became the national anthem.

In 2020, Bhagwat again pushed for the slogan to be widely adopted. Dr. Manmohan Singh cautioned that this slogan was being used to promote a narrow, militant view of nationalism, excluding many citizens. Observers like Singh stress the importance of understanding nationalism in a way that embraces all Indians.

As the conversation about nationalism continues, it’s crucial to reflect on India’s diversity. The vision of Bharat Mata promoted by the RSS—symbolized by a saffron flag—contrasts sharply with the tricolor emblem of the Constitution. The RSS, which has often criticized the tricolor, even hoisted the saffron flag at its headquarters for decades.

It’s important to remember that figures like the Kerala Governor seem to prioritize RSS ideology over constitutional principles. The BJP, the political offspring of the RSS, has historically focused on Hindu nationalism, often sidelining the broader constitutional values that unite the diverse populations of India.

In essence, the discussion around Bharat Mata isn’t just about a symbol; it touches on deeper questions of identity and nationalism. As India continues to evolve, understanding these complexities will be vital for maintaining harmony among its many voices.

For further exploration of India’s diverse interpretations of nationalism, you can refer to the articles from The Hindu and The Economic Times.

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