"India vs.

Bharat: A Lingual and Cultural Odyssey"

The name "India" is derived from the Indus River, which was known to the ancient
Greeks and Persians as the Indos. The name "Bharat" is derived from the Sanskrit
word "Bharata", which is the name of a legendary king who is said to have unified
the Indian subcontinent.

The name "India" was more commonly used during the colonial period, while the
name "Bharat" was more commonly used by Indians themselves. After
independence, the Constitution of India recognized both names as official names of
the country.

In recent years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist party, has
increasingly promoted the use of the name "Bharat" over the name "India". The BJP
has argued that the name "India" is a relic of colonialism, while the name "Bharat" is
a more authentic and indigenous name for the country.

The BJP's promotion of the name "Bharat" has been criticized by some as an
attempt to marginalize India's Muslim and Christian minorities, who are more likely to
identify with the name "India". Others have argued that the BJP's focus on renaming
the country is a distraction from more important issues, such as poverty and
inequality.

For many Indians, the names "India" and "Bharat" represent different aspects of their
national identity. "India" is often seen as a more inclusive and secular name, while
"Bharat" is often seen as a more Hindu-centric name.

The choice of which name to use is often a matter of personal preference and
political affiliation. Some people use both names interchangeably, while others prefer
to use only one name.
In 2023, the Indian government announced that it would be using the name "Bharat"
more prominently in official communications. This move has been criticized by some
as an attempt to promote the BJP's Hindu nationalist agenda.

The controversy over India vs. Bharat is likely to continue for some time to come. It
is a complex issue with no easy answers.

WRITTEN BY:
ABHISHEK KUMAR SHARMA
FLOOR SECRETARY
PNGBCN A-1ST