The name "India" is derived from the Indus River, which flows through the northwestern part of the country. The name "Bharat" is a Sanskrit term that has been used to refer to the Indian subcontinent for centuries. It is also the name of a legendary king who is said to have united the country.
There have been calls to change India's name to Bharat for many years, but the issue has gained renewed attention recently. In September 2023, the government of India invited guests to the G20 summit dinner as "guests of the President of Bharat". This sparked speculation that the government was planning to change the country's name officially.
The government has not confirmed whether it is planning to change the name of India, but there are a number of reasons why it might want to do so. The name "Bharat" is more closely associated with the country's Hindu heritage, and some people believe that this would help to boost national pride. Additionally, the name "India" is often associated with the British colonial period, and some people believe that changing the name would help to distance the country from that legacy.
Changing the name of a country is a complex process, and it would require an amendment to the constitution. It is also unclear how the international community would react to such a change. However, the recent controversy has shown that the issue of India's name is a matter of some debate, and it is possible that the government may eventually decide to change it.
Here are some of the arguments in favor of changing India's name to Bharat:
- The name "Bharat" is more ancient and has a deeper connection to the country's history and culture.
- The name "India" is often associated with the British colonial period, and changing it would help to distance the country from that legacy.
- The name "Bharat" is more closely associated with the country's Hindu heritage, and some people believe that this would help to boost national pride.
Here are some of the arguments against changing India's name to Bharat:
- The name "India" is already well-known and recognized around the world. Changing it would be a costly and disruptive process.
- There is no guarantee that the international community would accept the change.
- Some people believe that changing the name would be a form of cultural appropriation.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to change India's name is a political one. The government will need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
