In the context of nationhood, names hold significant importance, and this is where the India known as "BHARAT" enters the scene. The decision between 'India' and 'Bharat' as the official name for the newly independent nation in the 1940s sparked a passionate debate, and the reverberations of that debate continue to be felt today.

Recently, a widely circulated document featuring the term 'President of Bharat' on an official dinner invitation from the President's office has reignited conversations about the possibility of renaming India to Bharat. This controversy arose during the G20 summit, leading to a heated exchange of words in the realm of international diplomacy. While both names have coexisted for many years, recent discussions have revived the debate regarding which name should officially represent the nation.

On September 18, 1949, during the discussions in the Constituent Assembly, various suggestions were put forth for the nation's name, including Bharat, Hindustan, Hind, Bharatbhumi, and Bharatvarsh. When it came to deciding the name to be included in the Constitution, the term 'Hindustan' was excluded from consideration. The Constituent Assembly engaged in a debate about whether to adopt 'Bharat,' 'India,' or a combination of both.

Some members argued that 'India' carried the baggage of the colonial era and proposed alternatives like "Bharat known as India also in foreign countries." Others, such as Seth Govind Das and Hari Vishnu Kamath, advocated for 'Bharat' to symbolize the nation's rich historical and cultural heritage. Hargovind Pant, who represented the hill districts of the United Provinces, emphasized that the people of Northern India strongly preferred 'Bharatvarsha' and nothing else.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar contended that "India has been known as India throughout history and throughout all these past years." He maintained that 'India' had international recognition and should remain the official name. After extensive deliberation, the Constituent Assembly resolved with Article 1 of the Constitution, which reads, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

The ongoing discussion regarding the country's official name reflects its deep historical roots and underscores the enduring importance of 'Bharat' alongside 'India' in shaping the nation's identity.

The current dispute over whether to use 'India' or 'Bharat' as the official name of our nation underscores the challenge of striking a balance between tradition and modernity, grappling with a colonial past, and preserving cultural heritage. While 'India' enjoys international recognition, 'Bharat' holds deep cultural significance. This development has sparked a fresh round of debate, giving rise to various speculations regarding the motives behind this decision.

For some, it represents a bold move to distance the country from its colonial legacy, while others perceive it as a political maneuver in opposition to the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Some humorously suggest that the government may simply have a penchant for renaming things.