Experts have come forward to back the use of the term ‘Bharat’ replacing ‘India’ in school textbooks, emphasising that Bharat shows the real identity of the country instead of a colonial term like ‘India’.
A high-level committee appointed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) put forth a recommendation on Wednesday, proposing the replacement of ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in school textbooks across all classes.
“Young learners can swiftly adapt to the name ‘Bharat,” said I. Lakshmi, a retired professor and the former head of the History department at Osmania University. She stressed the necessity of this name change, highlighting that ‘India’ carries historical ties to colonial era. She argued that it is imperative for the nation to establish its unique identity, as reflected in the term ‘Bharat.’ Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Lakshmi addressed concerns about its impact on students. She underscored that the demand for this change has persisted for an extended period, emphasising that it aligns with literary references that consistently refer to the nation as ‘Bharat.’
