Why India's Name Will Resonate Forever

The recent controversy surrounding the name “India” has sparked a heated debate among political and cultural circles. A group of Indians is advocating for the official name to be changed from “India” to “Bharat.” However, this debate is based on misconceptions and a lack of understanding of both history and global context.

Background

A segment of the Indian population is pushing for the government to adopt Bharat as the sole official name for the country. While there are rumors that the government might introduce a resolution in the Parliament, no official statement has been released. The rationale behind this renaming is rooted in the belief that “India” is an European term that needs to be replaced with a more ‘native’ name, Bharat. This misconception stems from an inferiority complex and conspiracy theories.

World Context

Similar name changes have occurred in other nations, revealing a pattern often associated with regimes seeking to reinvent their identities. In 1935, Persia changed its name to Iran, in 1989 Burma became Myanmar, and in 2021, Turkey was officially renamed to Türkiye. These changes are often driven by the desire to distance oneself from perceived colonial influences and to align more closely with a national identity rooted in the past.

However, such attempts to change names frequently backfire. Consider the example of Persia. ‘Persia’ was a name that was synonymous with great history, rich culture, and art, much like ‘India’ is today. By changing the name to Iran, the new label failed to capture the same historical legacy and global recognition that ‘Persia’ had.

The Power of 'India'

India’s name is not just a term; it is a symbol of cultural identity, heritage, and global recognition. The term ‘India’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sindhu’ which means large rivers or water bodies. This name holds deep cultural and historical significance, as India is a land rich with rivers, like the Ganga, which are integral to its identity.

The nation’s name is not just a term; it is intrinsically connected to its major religion (Hinduism), language (Hindi), music style (Hindustani), and even the ocean around it (Indian Ocean). No other country has a name where everything relevant to the country is named in a way that resonates so closely. It is the only country in the world with an ocean named after it. The term 'India' is understood globally, and it evokes images of wisdom, wealth, and rich civilization.

Columbus sailed to this land, seeking riches and greatness, not just any place. The name has stood the test of time, from ancient times to the present day. It is deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of the global populace. Changing it would be a foolish decision, not just because of the cultural and historical significance, but also due to the strong opposition it would face from the people who understand the essence of India.

One cannot help but wonder about the popularity of any leader who would advocate for a change in such an important aspect of national identity. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is often known for its strict nationalistic policies, yet renaming India would be a politically detrimental move.

Historically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not pursued policies that would cause internal divisions within the party. Any attempt to change the name 'India' would quickly result in internal conflict and opposition, much like the attempts to change Article 370 or the restricted access to religious sites would. The idea is so fundamentally flawed that it would be quietly buried within the party.