SAnjay pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 27: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday reiterated the importance of upholding the country’s cultural and civilizational identity by insisting that the name “Bharat” should not be translated or replaced in public discourse or official communication.
Speaking at a gathering in Kochi, Bhagwat emphasized that “Bharat” is not merely a name, but a civilizational identity that holds deep historical, spiritual, and cultural significance.
“‘India that is Bharat’ is true. But Bharat is Bharat, and that is why, while writing and speaking, we should keep Bharat as Bharat. Bharat must remain Bharat,” Bhagwat said, addressing a large audience of Swayamsevaks, academics, and local dignitaries.
He further elaborated that the word “Bharat” is a proper noun, rooted in the country’s ancient heritage, and therefore should not be subjected to translation or reinterpretation.
Bhagwat warned that diluting the national identity by excessive anglicization or westernized nomenclature can lead to a loss of cultural continuity and respect on the global stage.
“The identity of Bharat is respected because it is Bharat. If you lose your identity, whatever other meritorious qualities you may have, you will never be respected or secure in this world. That is the thumb rule,” he added.
The RSS chief’s remarks come in the backdrop of ongoing national debates over the usage of “India” versus “Bharat” in official documents, education, and global representation.
In recent years, some quarters have advocated for renaming institutions and even the country itself solely as “Bharat,” invoking the name mentioned in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
Bhagwat’s assertion aligns with the RSS’s long-standing cultural narrative which stresses self-pride, indigenous identity, and decolonizing the Indian mind from Western-imposed frameworks. He urged the people, especially the younger generation, to embrace “Bharat” not just as a name, but as a way of life — one rooted in traditions, values, and spiritual heritage.
While the statement drew applause from many in the audience, it is likely to reignite discussions among scholars, political leaders, and civil society on the role of language, identity, and constitutional symbolism in contemporary India.
Bhagwat concluded his address by urging citizens to reconnect with their roots, saying that the strength and dignity of Bharat depend not only on economic progress or technological development but on the ability of its people to uphold and honor their civilizational identity. |
