However, in recent years, the term โBharatโ has been at the centre of a contentious debate over its inclusion in NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks. It is essential to understand the importance of embracing โBharatโ in our textbooks and why this is not just a matter of historical revisionism but a constitutional imperative.
Firstly, let us establish the notion that our Constitution begins with the words, โIndia, that is Bharat.โ This acknowledgment underscores the importance of both names in referring to our great nation. It is not merely a matter of semantics but a constitutional recognition of the coexistence and relevance of โIndiaโ and โBharat.โ
FLASH: #Delhi #BJP president Virendra Sachdeva leads the partyโs demonstration in the national capital against Bihar CM #NitishKumar for his crass comments on women.
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Our founding fathers recognised the historical, cultural, and linguistic diversity that โBharatโ represents and harmoniously blended it with โIndiaโ to create a unified identity that reflects our pluralistic society.
Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge that the term โBharatโ has a legacy dating back centuries, with roots in our ancient scriptures and epics. It is a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and an essential part of our civilisational identity.
Neglecting โBharatโ in our textbooks is akin to disregarding a substantial portion of our heritage, and this dilution does a disservice to our collective memory.
The objections raised against the inclusion of โBharatโ in NCERT textbooks are rooted in an oversimplified understanding of history and culture. It is not about erasing โIndiaโ but enriching the educational content to reflect the multifaceted nature of our country. By embracing โBharat,โ we create a more comprehensive and accurate narrative that encapsulates the historical continuum of our nation.
If we were to recognise โBharatโ in NCERT textbooks, it would contribute to a more holistic understanding of our identity, history, and culture. Our children would be better equipped to appreciate the multifarious aspects of their heritage, and this, in turn, would foster a stronger sense of national pride and unity.
The debate surrounding the inclusion of โBharatโ in NCERT textbooks is not merely a matter of semantics but a constitutional imperative. Our Constitution acknowledges both โIndiaโ and โBharat,โ and by emphasising โBharat,โ we honour our rich cultural heritage and civilisational identity.
Revisionism in our textbooks should not aim to erase our history but to provide a more comprehensive and accurate narrative. Embracing โBharatโ in our textbooks is a step toward enriching the education of our children, fostering a deeper sense of national identity, and preserving our cultural heritage. It is time for us to recognise the constitutional significance of โIndia, that is Bharat,โ and ensure that our textbooks do justice to this legacy.
