The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is stirring up discussions about the name of our nation. General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale insists that if we are to refer to the country as Bharat, it should only bear that name. He points out that while we use “India” in English, the traditional name in many Indian languages is Bharat. He questions why we don’t consistently use the term Bharat across official documents and institutions, from the “Constitution of India” to the “Reserve Bank of India.”
Some political figures have responded strongly to this statement. For instance, Dr. Hafiz Rafiqul Islam, a leader from the AIUDF, claims the call for a name change is filled with negativity. He believes that Indians take pride in calling their country by multiple names, including Bharat, India, and Hindustan.
From Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that people should feel free to use whichever name they like. He emphasized that terms like “Indian Air Force” and “Indian Army” are rooted in our identity. Another voice in the debate, CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar, questioned the need for controversy over names, pointing out that the English in “RSS” contradicts the push for Hindi names.
Support for the idea came from BJP MLA Sunil Sharma, who argued that Bharat reflects our cultural heritage and tradition. He believes that changing the name officially could foster a sense of pride among citizens.
Opponents, like Congress MP K. Suresh, expressed skepticism about the RSS’s intentions, suggesting this reflects a broader ideology that seeks to prioritize one name over the other.
Hosabale’s remarks were part of a larger dialogue on the identity and image of India on the global stage. At a recent book launch, he called for a shift in how we present our nation to the world, pointing out that even during significant events like the G-20 summit, documents had “Republic of Bharat” printed in English.
Historically, the debate over naming the country isn’t new. The name India comes from the River Indus, which has its roots in Persian. In contrast, Bharat harks back to ancient texts and signifies rich history.
In terms of public sentiment, many Indians appreciate both names, valuing their flexibility. Recent surveys show that while many prefer Bharat, a significant number still resonate with India. This duality may serve as a reflection of our diverse culture.
As we navigate this discussion, it becomes clear that the names we use are more than just labels; they carry deep social, historical, and cultural meanings.
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