RSS Chief Hosabale Sparks New Debate: India vs Bharat – What It Means for Our Future

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has sparked a discussion about whether our country should be called ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India.’ He pointed out that institutions like the Reserve Bank and even the Constitution still use the English name, even after Prime Minister Modi referred to the country as the ‘Republic of Bharat’ during the G20 dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During a book launch for “Vimarsh Bharat Ka,” Hosabale argued that ‘Bharat’ carries deep philosophical and spiritual significance, beyond just geography or law. He urged everyone to embrace this identity and stated, “Desh ka naam Bharat hai, toh Bharat hi bolo. India toh angrezi naam hai,” which means if the country’s name is Bharat, then we should call it Bharat, as ‘India’ is an English name.

He encouraged people to think about the duality in our naming. He reminded us that the invitation for the G20 dinner called the nation the “Republic of Bharat.” This observation ties into a larger theme of ‘decolonisation of the mind,’ where he emphasized the lasting impact of British rule on Indian identity. He noted historical instances of cultural suppression, particularly during Mughal invasions, but argued that the British left a deeper psychological mark, making Indians feel inferior.

“The British made us think they were superior,” he said. He criticized the prevalence of English in schools and everyday life, declaring that we should move away from colonial ways of thinking. Additionally, he challenged the narratives promoted by left-liberal historians, claiming they misrepresent Bharat’s past leaders as oppressors. “They want us to believe all our kings were oppressors. That’s just misleading,” he added.

Referencing VS Naipaul’s views on post-colonial societies, Hosabale called for a fresh perspective. “We need a wave that doesn’t look down on others but reclaims our identity,” he stated. He made it clear that Bharat stands for global good, emphasizing the importance of unity.

Hosabale’s comments show the RSS’s growing push to use ‘Bharat’ over ‘India’ in political and cultural discussions. Reports indicate that the government has been leaning towards ‘Bharat’ in official documents, including G20 papers and new programs, with a noticeable shift in terminology. However, officials noted that these changes would not apply retroactively.