Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has reignited the “India vs. Bharat” debate, advocating for “Bharat” as India’s sole official name. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Hosabale stated, “Bharat hi bolo, India toh angrezi naam hai” (Say Bharat, India is an English name), arguing that “India” reflects colonial influence and undermines India’s cultural identity. He questioned why institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and the Constitution of India still carry the English name, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi refers to the country as the “Republic of Bharat” in official contexts.
Speaking at the launch of the book Vimarsh Bharat Ka, published by Suruchi Prakashan, at the Panchsheel Balak Inter College auditorium, Hosabale questioned why institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India or the Constitution should still carry the English name when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself referred to the country as the “Republic of Bharat” during the G20 dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan last year.
“Desh ka naam Bharat hai, toh Bharat hi bolo. India toh angrezi naam hai," he said.
Hosabale’s remarks echo the 2023 controversy when the government briefly used “Bharat” in G20 documents, sparking debates about a potential name change. He emphasized that “Bharat,” rooted in ancient texts like the Puranas, better represents India’s heritage. “If our Prime Minister and Constitution recognize Bharat, we must standardize it as our nation’s name, shedding colonial remnants,” he said, suggesting constitutional amendments to achieve this.
The RSS leader’s call has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a reclamation of India’s identity, while critics argue it distracts from economic and social priorities. The proposal faces significant hurdles, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority and international recognition, as the Constitution currently uses “India, that is Bharat.” Hosabale’s pitch revives a decades-old debate, with the RSS pushing for a unified national identity in 2025. As discussions intensify, the “India vs. Bharat” question remains a polarizing issue, reflecting broader cultural and political tensions in the country.
