The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) established a high-level social science committee to review the school curriculum. The committee suggested that in future textbooks, the word "India" be changed to "Bharat." The committee has also recommended that Hindu warriors' exploits be included in the curriculum.
Calling it “too premature to comment”, NCERT said, “No decision had been taken yet on the panel’s recommendations.” The group, led by CI Isaac, has also recommended that the Indian Knowledge System be included in the syllabus for every subject and that "classical history" be substituted for "ancient history" in the curriculum. NCERT chairperson Dinesh Saklani, however, said no decision had been taken yet.
Endorsing the use of Bharat, Issac, who has been closely associated with the Sangh Parivar organisations for the past several decades, said, “Bharat is an age-old name. The name Bharat has been used in ancient texts, such as Vishnu Purana, which is 7,000 years old.”
“Bharat” appeared officially during the G20 Summit when the government sent out dinner invites to dignitaries in the name of “President of Bharat” instead of “President of India”. The nameplate of PM Narendra Modi during the summit also read “Bharat” instead of India.
The panel’s recommendations evoked strong reactions from some opposition parties. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said: “They are suggesting so many things. You can see how they are distorting the history of India through textbooks, syllabus, and everything... For us, India and Bharat are equal.”