Bharat's tryst with destiny

Changing the name needs wide consultation

The use of “Bharat” in an English-language invitation from President Droupadi Murmu to heads of State and governments, as well as chief ministers, for an official banquet ahead of the G20 summit has sparked unnecessary controversy over the name of the country. The Opposition believes that the government’s choice of the Hindi word for the country, rather than following convention, is a way of undermining the 26-party alliance that goes by the name INDIA (the acronym stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). Whatever the motive, the abrupt departure from standard practice calls for an explanation from the government, especially