In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the Indian government is contemplating the possibility of officially renaming India as "Bharat." This resolution is expected to be introduced during the upcoming extraordinary session of Parliament, raising questions about the country's identity and historical significance.

Historical Roots:
The proposal to rebrand India as "Bharat" has garnered support from various prominent political figures who advocate for embracing the nation's historical identity. They argue that "Bharat" has been the nation's traditional name for generations, and it carries deep-rooted cultural and historical significance.

G20 Dinner Invitation:
The controversy took an interesting turn when formal invitations to the G20 summit hosted in India revealed a notable change. Instead of "President of India," the invitation bore the title "President of Bharat," prompting intrigue and discussions about the potential name change. The G20 summit, set to take place in New Delhi on September 9th and 10th, is expected to be attended by international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden.

Dual Identity:
India is unique in that it officially bears two names: India and Bharat. However, the name "India" remains the more commonly used and recognized term, both within the country and on the global stage. Despite this, "Hindustan" is a frequently employed term in literature and popular culture to refer to the nation.

Historical Significance of "Bharat":
Many historians trace the origins of the name "Bharat" to ancient Sanskrit texts. The term is deeply intertwined with India's rich cultural heritage and is often used as the representation of India in the Hindi language.

Support and Opposition:
The proposed name change has garnered support from right-wing members of Prime Minister Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They argue that the term "India" is a reminder of colonial rule and carries the legacy of British imperialism, which lasted for nearly two centuries until India gained independence in 1947.

In contrast, the Congress party has criticized the BJP government, accusing them of using the name change as a diversion tactic. They claim that the government is attempting to shift focus away from pressing issues like inflation and unemployment by raising this controversial topic.

Political Implications:
Opposition leaders suggest that the government's adoption of "Bharat" in English-language communications is an attempt to distance themselves from the name "India." This move could potentially signal the government's intent to discuss the name change during the special session of Parliament scheduled for September 18–22.