Film, sports stars rally behind govt over India name change

Prominent celebrities join the ‘India that is Bharat’ debate, expressing diverse views on name change

NEW DELHI | Updated: 06 September, 2023 1:50 pm IST
From Politicians to Superstars: India vs. Bharat Debate Ignites Passionate Voices

NEW DELHI: Several prominent sports persons and film stars on Wednesday came out in support of the Modi government’s decision to rename ‘India’ as ‘Bharat’.

Proponents of the move assert that the term ‘Bharat’ underscores the nation’s rich heritage and civilization.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan led the showbiz industry to support the renaming of the country after 76 years of its independence. “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

READ MORE: Opposition leaders question rationale behind renaming India

Industry ‘Queen’ Kangana Ranaut was also unequivocal in her support. She shared a video of spiritual guru and mystic, Sadhguru, discussing the significance of ‘Bharat.

“My guru said it decades ago…he is on Kailash yatra, he doesn’t know yet, but this remarkable change in the name of our nation will bring him tears of joy. Upon his return, he will not be coming back to India, but to his beloved Bharat,” Ranaut posted.

‘Bhidu’ Jackie Shroff said there was nothing controversial in renaming the country as ‘Bharat’. “It is not a bad thing. Anyway, we won’t change if the name changes,” he stated.

Cricket legend Virender Sehwag also batted for the name ‘Bharat.’ “It’s not just Team India, it’s #TeamBharat. As we wholeheartedly cheer for players like Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, and Jaddu during this World Cup, let’s also hold the spirit of ‘Bharat’ close to our hearts,” he wrote.

READ MORE: Article 1 amendment needed for renaming India as Bharat: Expert

As expected, Union ministers led the campaign against the opposition INDIA for protesting the change. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan proudly shared pictures of his invitation to the G20 dinner and posted: “Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak Jaya He, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.”

BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi commented: “Maa sirf Bharat hoti hai, India maa nhi hoti h. We say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and not ‘India Mata ki Jai.'”

Controversy erupted after the official invite of the G20 meet dinner had “President of Bharat’ inscribed on it

Similarly, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, quoting the Article 1 of the Constitution, emphasized, “Humara ye desh, Bharat tha, Bharat hai or Bharat rahega”. He also posted on X “happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL”

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