Former Indian cricket sensation Virender Sehwag recently made waves on social media with his strong stance on the ongoing debate regarding India’s nomenclature.
As speculations gain momentum about renaming the country from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat,’ Sehwag’s tweet has captured widespread attention.
India to Bharat: Sehwag knew this before anyone else 🤣 https://t.co/x5n5sVoBtj pic.twitter.com/8AbdgnY30Y
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) September 5, 2023
In this article, we delve into Sehwag’s perspective and the broader implications of this controversy as India gears up for the upcoming ICC World Cup.
Sehwag’s Passionate Plea: ‘Bharat’ Over ‘India’
In his tweet, Sehwag fervently advocates for replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ on the jerseys worn by the Indian cricket team during the ICC World Cup. The cricket icon asserts that ‘Bharat’ is a name that should evoke pride in every Indian, as it embodies the nation’s true identity.
Sehwag’s plea to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Secretary Jay Shah to embrace ‘Bharat’ on the players’ jerseys resonates with his belief in reclaiming India’s rich heritage.
A Glimpse into History
Sehwag draws attention to other nations, such as the Netherlands and Myanmar, which have reverted to their original names. In 1996, the Netherlands participated in the World Cup as ‘Holland,’ but by 2003, they reclaimed their identity as ‘The Netherlands.’
Similarly, Burma shed its British-imposed name to become Myanmar. Sehwag argues that India should follow suit and officially adopt ‘Bharat,’ shedding the colonial legacy of ‘India.’
The Stirring Controversy Surrounding the Name Change
The controversy surrounding the name change ignited during a dinner invitation at the G20 summit when President Droupadi Murmu was referred to as the ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the ‘President of India.’
This incident, coupled with the proposal to remove ‘India, that is Bharat’ from Article 1 of the Constitution, has sparked intense discussions about India’s identity and its historical roots.
Sehwag’s Non-Political Clarification
Amid the fervor surrounding his tweet, Sehwag made it unequivocally clear that his stance on this issue is entirely apolitical. Despite receiving approaches from major political parties in the past, he emphatically stated that he has no interest in politics.
According to Sehwag, entertainers and sports figures should steer clear of politics, as many often prioritize personal interests over public service, and he remains dedicated to his role in the world of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Virender Sehwag advocating for the name ‘Bharat’ over ‘India’ for the cricket team’s jerseys?
Virender Sehwag believes that ‘Bharat’ better represents India’s true identity and heritage. He thinks it should instill a sense of pride in every Indian and help shed the colonial legacy associated with the name ‘India.’
Are there historical precedents for countries reverting to their original names, as Sehwag suggests?
Yes, there are examples of countries like the Netherlands and Myanmar returning to their original names. The Netherlands participated in the World Cup as ‘Holland’ but later embraced ‘The Netherlands,’ while Burma became Myanmar to reclaim its identity.
What sparked the controversy surrounding India’s name change?
The controversy started when President Droupadi Murmu was referred to as the ‘President of Bharat’ during a G20 summit dinner, instead of the ‘President of India.’ This incident, along with the proposal to amend the Constitution, has triggered discussions about India’s identity.
Is Virender Sehwag’s stance on this issue politically motivated?
No, Sehwag has made it clear that his stance is apolitical. Despite being approached by political parties in the past, he has no interest in politics and believes that entertainers and sportspeople should refrain from entering politics.
What are the broader implications of renaming India to ‘Bharat’?
Renaming India to ‘Bharat’ could have cultural and historical significance, potentially helping India reconnect with its roots. It might also influence how the world perceives the country and its heritage, beyond just a name change on cricket jerseys.