G20 Dinner Invitation Sparks Name Change Speculation
Speculation is rife in India as the government issues invitations for the G20 summit referring to the country as ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India.’ This move has sparked discussions about a potential name change for the nation.
Sanskrit Name on G20 Invitations
The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has replaced the English name ‘India’ with the Sanskrit word ‘Bharat’ on dinner invitations sent to world leaders attending the G20 summit. Consequently, guests have been invited to a state dinner with ‘the President of Bharat,’ marking a departure from the traditional ‘President of India’ reference.
Eliminating Colonial-Era Names
This decision aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s efforts, along with his Hindu nationalist party, to remove colonial-era names and symbols associated with British rule from various aspects of Indian society. While many such symbols have been erased from the country’s urban landscape, political institutions, and history books, a name change would carry significant significance.
The Dual Identity of India and Bharat
India officially carries two names, India and Bharat, but ‘India’ is the more commonly used name both domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Modi himself often refers to the nation as ‘Bharat,’ drawing from ancient Sanskrit terminology that historians believe dates back to early Hindu texts. In Hindi, ‘Bharat’ also means India and is one of the country’s two official names as per its constitution.
Backing from Modi’s Party
Officials from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argue that ‘India’ was imposed by British colonials and represents a ‘symbol of slavery’ due to the British colonial rule that lasted for about two centuries until India’s independence in 1947. This move to change the name is seen as a step toward shedding colonial associations.
Government’s Legislative Agenda
The government has scheduled a special session of parliament later this month, but the legislative agenda remains undisclosed. Unnamed government sources have suggested that BJP lawmakers may introduce a special resolution giving precedence to the name ‘Bharat’ over ‘India.’
A Pattern of Renaming
Modi’s party has a history of renaming places and landmarks associated with India’s Mughal and colonial past. Renaming efforts have been seen as an attempt to reclaim India’s Hindu heritage.
Mixed Reactions and Debate
The potential name change has garnered mixed reactions. Opposition parties have expressed concerns about completely relinquishing the name ‘India,’ which holds significant brand value. However, some individuals, including former Test cricketer Virender Sehwag, welcome the change and advocate for using ‘Bharat’ more prominently.
Political Implications
The debate over ‘India’ versus ‘Bharat’ has taken on political significance, particularly since the opposition announced the INDIA alliance aimed at challenging Modi’s party in the 2024 national elections. This acronym, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, has fueled discussions about the country’s name and identity.
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