Recently, Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the RSS, made statements about India’s name that stirred up some discussion. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, responded by highlighting India’s rich diversity. He pointed out that we call our country by several names—Bharat, India, and Hindustan. “People can choose whichever name they prefer,” he said, adding that we take pride in our military forces and national songs.
Rafiqul Islam, a member of the All India United Democratic Front, also weighed in. He criticized the RSS for promoting name changes, suggesting that if they insist on changing names, they might as well rethink their own. “It’s a statement filled with hatred. We proudly call our country by its various names,” he said.
At a book launch, Hosabale questioned why “India” is used in official documents. He pointed to the recent G-20 summit where the invitation read “Republic of Bharat”. “If our country is Bharat, we should consistently use that name,” he argued. He believes that India should strive for the welfare of all nations, not just its own.
Moreover, Hosabale reflected on India’s history, noting that unlike during Mughal rule, where Indians felt no inferiority, the British era instilled a sense of superiority around English culture. This has led to a lasting impact, particularly in education, where English remains a dominant medium.
Check out this related article: RSS Chief Hosabale Sparks New Debate: India vs Bharat – What It Means for Our Future
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