NCERT’s Proposal to Rename ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in School Textbooks Sparks Controversy

Proposal Awaits Approval: NCERT Panel Suggests ‘Bharat’ Over ‘India’ in Textbooks

Educational News: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recommended a significant alteration in school textbooks by replacing “India” with “Bharat” universally. This proposal, however, is yet to receive final approval, as confirmed by the NCERT director.

A Pending Recommendation

The NCERT director emphasized that the proposal is currently under review. “We have not accepted anything at the moment. The panel sent their report,” the director explained. This proposition was initiated several months ago.

The NCERT’s proposal to replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks generates debate as it awaits final approval, amid political and public discussions.

The Controversy Unfolds

This development has sparked considerable controversy, with the opposition criticizing the Central government for substituting “India” with “Bharat” in official documents. The first such instance was noted on an ASEAN event invitation extended to Prime Minister Modi, addressing him as the “Prime Minister of Bharat.”

The ‘India-Bharat’ debate escalated when Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9, referring to the ‘President of Bharat.’

Reflecting on the Constitution

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shed light on the connotation of the word ‘Bharat’ in the context of the Constitution. He stated, “India, that is Bharat, is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it,” while speaking to the news agency ANI.

Opposition’s Perspective

In response to the government’s move to change the name in NCERT textbooks, Congress leader Priyank Kharge raised concerns. “This move was very evident. The government is on a name-changing spree.

No game-changing scheme is happening, only name-changing schemes are happening. Why the sudden hatred for the name INDIA? Why did they wait for nine years?” questioned Kharge.

The proposal to change the nomenclature from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks is under scrutiny and continues to be a subject of public and political discourse, with the final decision pending.

News Source: Various News Media