NCERT Panel Recommends Replacing “India” with “Bharat” in School Textbooks

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) panel has recommended replacing the term “India” with “Bharat” in all school textbooks across the country. The proposal, which aims to emphasize the cultural and historical roots of the nation, is yet to receive official approval. The NCERT director confirmed that this move is currently only a suggestion and needs further evaluation before implementation. The aim behind the proposal is to instill a sense of pride in the heritage and traditions of India, referred to as “Bharat” in various Indian languages. If approved, this change would impact the curriculum followed in schools and educational institutions throughout the country, aiming to create a stronger national identity. However, this decision has sparked a debate among scholars and experts, with some arguing that “India” is more widely recognized internationally and should not be replaced. Others believe that using “Bharat” would promote unity and a stronger connection with the country’s cultural roots. The process of implementing this change would require revising all existing textbooks, and stakeholders, including educators and parents, would likely have to be involved in the decision-making process. It remains to be seen whether the proposal will gain the necessary approvals and bring about a significant shift in the way Indian students learn about their nation’s identity.