In the wake of this, the government has stated that the constitutional definition of India, that is Bharat remains valid; nonetheless, the NCERT has suggested replacing India with Bharat in textbooks. Professor CI Isaac, the chairperson of NCERT’s 2022 social science committee, stated that the suggestion would ideally be put into practice starting in the upcoming academic year.
Source: Education Today
The group has also suggested that classical history be taught in place of ancient history and that the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) be incorporated into the curriculum for every topic. Although Isaac, a historian with known Hindutva sympathies, claims the committee was not swayed by the government, it is common knowledge that recommendations of this nature do not just happen.
The administration recently embarked on a tour of Bharat, asserting that this was the country’s original name and that India was a product of colonialism. At the last G-20 Summit in New Delhi, the President’s dinner invitation stated ‘President of Bharat’ rather than the customary ‘President of India’.
Since then, the government has continued to use it and attempted to convey the idea that it is the official name of the nation that it supports. The goal is to gain political leverage by portraying itself as the defender and representative of the genuine and authentic India. Additionally, there is an immediate electoral intent because the opposition parties have united under the banner I.N.D.I.A. to show a united front against the BJP. The I.N.D.I.A. , name has been mocked and criticised by Prime Minister Modi and the BJP.
Source: ANI News
This is expanded upon by the recommendation of the NCERT panel. It aims to implant the notion in children’s heads, giving them the impression that it is the true name and description of the nation. According to the Constitution, the nation is called India, that is Bharat, and it is improper to denigrate one while elevating the other.
India’s name refers to the nation’s identity that has developed over a lengthy historical span rather than being a remnant of colonialism. Many people in the nation would not accept the name Bharat if it were politicised because they would think it is the name of a royal tribe in the North. Several states, notably Karnataka and Kerala, have declared their opposition to the proposal. The younger generation should not be forced to adopt the government’s limited perspective of the nation.
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