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New Delhi : Explore the heated debate over renaming India to Bharat in this comprehensive article. Learn about the historical context, political motivations, and potential consequences.
India vs Bharat: Can the Central Government Bring a Proposal to Change the Name of the Country in the Special Session of Parliament?
In recent times, the debate over the name of our beloved nation, India, has gained significant momentum. The proposal to change the country’s name to Bharat has sparked discussions, with political parties, experts, and the general public all weighing in on this matter. This article aims to delve deep into the origins of this debate, the reasons behind it, and the potential implications it might have for the nation.
The Synonyms: ‘India’ or ‘Bharatvarsha’
The debate surrounding the name of our country is not a new one. In December 2022, Mitesh Patel, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raised a pertinent question in the Lok Sabha. He questioned whether it was time to replace the name ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ or ‘Bharatvarsha,’ a topic deliberated upon by the Constituent Assembly in September 1949.
Patel argued that ‘India’ symbolized the ‘slavery to which the country was subjected’ since it was a name imposed by the British East India Company during colonial rule. This perspective has sparked a renewed interest in reevaluating our country’s name, prompting the government to consider a change.
Government’s Objective: Removing the Word ‘India’
The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been emphasizing the need to liberate the nation from the ‘slavery mentality.’ As part of the ongoing ‘Amrit Kaal’ initiative, there is a plan to eliminate any elements associated with this colonial-era mindset. To this end, preparations related to a proposal to remove the word ‘India’ from the Constitution have been underway.
According to sources familiar with the matter, during the special session of Parliament scheduled from September 18 to 22, the government may introduce a bill aimed at removing the word ‘India.’ The focus is on amending Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, where ‘India’ is defined. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of freeing the nation from the shackles of mental subjugation, as he emphasized during his ‘Amrit Kaal’ initiative.
The Special Session of Parliament: A Critical Timeline
The special session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on September 18 and continue until September 22, considering the government’s ongoing operations. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats have confirmed these dates. During this special session, there will be no question hour and private business in both houses. However, as of now, the government has not disclosed the specific agenda for this session.
The Political Perspective
Political parties have not remained silent on this matter. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have voiced concerns, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party government is attempting to alter the country’s name. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the necessity of removing the word ‘India’ when Article 1 of the Constitution already defines India as a union of states.
In contrast, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor contends that since both ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’ are mentioned in the Constitution, there should be no constitutional objections to either name. Constitutional experts also assert that ‘India, that is Bharat,’ is already included in the country’s constitution, making ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’ synonymous terms.
Conclusion
The debate over whether to change the name of our nation from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ is a complex and multifaceted issue. While proponents argue that it symbolizes a break from colonial subjugation, opponents raise concerns about potential constitutional implications.
As the government prepares to table this proposal during the special session of Parliament, the nation watches with bated breath. The decision on this matter will not only redefine our nation’s identity but also shape the course of history.
In the end, whether India remains ‘India’ or becomes ‘Bharat,’ the essence of our nation remains the same—rich in history, culture, and diversity.
