Guru Ghasidas Central University in Chhattisgarh, a central university, will now use “Bharat” instead of “India” on its marksheets and official communications, Vice Chancellor Alok Kumar Chakrawal announced on Saturday.
According to Chakrawal, the Bilaspur-based university’s standing committee passed a resolution on this matter approximately six months ago.
“At present, university marksheets and degree certificates carry references to both India and Bharat in English and Hindi respectively. Under the new decision, India appearing in English will also be replaced with Bharat,” he told PTI.
He further explained that the change will be implemented once the existing stock of marksheets and degree certificates is exhausted.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
Chakrawal pointed to the use of “Bharat” during the G20 Summit held in India in 2023 as a key influence. “During the G20 meetings, the Honourable President used the word ‘Bharat’ in an official dinner invitation. When the highest constitutional authority in the country follows this tradition, we are also following it. It is a matter of our tradition,” he noted.
He also emphasized the deep historical and cultural roots of the term “Bharat”. “Historically, the region of Aryavarta and Jambudweep has been referred to as Bharat. The name India was given by foreigners for their convenience. We need not be guided by what outsiders thought. Our culture and tradition have always referred to the country as Bharat, and we are making an effort to reinforce that tradition,” he added.
Other Universities Not Following Suit
Meanwhile, officials from some state universities, including Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Raipur and Atal Bihari Vajpayee University in Bilaspur, clarified that no such decision has been taken by their institutes so far and no official guidelines have been issued.
