Indian PM Modi Aims to Rename Country ‘Bharat’ to Reinforce Cultural Heritage
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to propose a resolution to rename India as Bharat during a five-day special parliamentary session starting on September 18, as reported by Indian media on Tuesday.
Currently, the Indian Constitution refers to the nation as India, that is Bharat…, but there has been a growing demand to simplify it to Bharat. The advocates for the name change believe that having a single, indigenous name for the country will foster a heightened sense of national pride and reinforce India’s rich cultural heritage.
The push to rename India has gained momentum over time, leading to speculation that the resolution may be brought forward in New Delhi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his support for the change, stating on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Republic of Bharat – happy and proud that our civilization is marching confidently towards Amrit Kaal.
The proposed renaming of India to Bharat is rooted in the intrinsic idea of embracing the nation’s deep cultural roots. By adopting this change, India aims to strengthen its sense of identity and unity, aiming to reclaim its historical name. Proponents assert that Bharat represents the country’s ancient heritage, with a legacy that stretches back thousands of years.
Critics, however, argue that this endeavor may be nothing more than a symbolic gesture, diverting attention from more pressing issues such as the country’s economic challenges, poverty, and social inequality. They suggest that focusing on substantive reforms and addressing the needs of the people should take precedence over a name change.
Renaming a country is no simple task, and it requires a constitutional amendment that must be approved by both houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority. If the resolution is tabled, it will be interesting to see how lawmakers in India respond and what impact it may have on the nation’s cultural fabric.
While the name change proposal captures attention both domestically and internationally, it remains to be seen whether it will resonate with the wider population of India, beyond the enthusiastic but limited circles currently advocating for it.
The potential renaming of India to Bharat signifies a desire to reinforce the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and foster a sense of national pride. As the resolution is presented in Parliament, the nation awaits a decision that may shape India’s identity for generations to come.
