Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant statement at the G20 summit by using the country’s nameplate, “Bharat,” during his opening address. This move is seen as a strong indicator of a potential official name change for the country.
No to India, yes to “Bharat”
The use of “Bharat” on the nameplate follows recent invitations to the summit dinner, which were sent out in the name of the “President of Bharat.” This has fueled speculation that the official usage of India’s English name may be reconsidered.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi frequently refers to India as “Bharat,” which is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and is one of the country’s official names according to its constitution. This choice reflects a desire to embrace the nation’s indigenous heritage and culture.
Also read: Contemplating The Change: Is India Becoming Bharat?
It’s worth mentioning that there has been a history of debate within Modi’s Hindu nationalist party about emphasizing “Bharat” over “India,” as the latter has colonial origins from the British era. This shift in nomenclature reflects a broader discourse on national identity and historical heritage.
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