Advocating for Bharat: The Push to Rename India’s Institutions

Why Are People Talking About Renaming the RBI?

It’s not every day that something as foundational as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) becomes part of a national identity debate. But here we are—and the conversation isn’t just about a nameplate. It’s about who we are as a country, how we got here, and where we want to go next.

Where Did This All Start?

On September 6, 2023, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma didn’t hold back. He called the word “India” a colonial hand-me-down—and suggested the RBI be renamed the Reserve Bank of Bharat. His view? This isn’t just symbolic—it’s a part of India’s ongoing cultural revival. “This is a phase of renaissance,” he said.

And this isn’t a one-off comment. Assam, under Sarma’s leadership, has been steadily replacing colonial-era names and customs. To him, renaming the RBI is just another step in the journey.

Why the Fuss Over “India” vs “Bharat”?

Echoes of Empire

Sarma argues that many of our institutions—including the RBI—were set up under British rule, and their names still carry that legacy. He’s clear that blame doesn’t lie with today’s leaders, or even those immediately after independence. The issue, as he sees it, is that we’re still carrying historical baggage, and it’s time to lighten the load.

What the Law Says

He’s not flying solo on this. Sarma pointed to a Supreme Court ruling that says “India” and “Bharat” can be used interchangeably in official matters. His question is simple: If the Constitution allows both, why not choose the one that better reflects our heritage?

He also highlighted that oaths of office have historically included both terms—Manmohan Singh swore in as Prime Minister of Bharat, while H.D. Deve Gowda used India. No one made a fuss then, he noted—so why now?

Is This Just Politics in Disguise?

Yes and no.

The Congress-Jinnah Exchange

The debate took a historical turn when Shashi Tharoor mentioned that Mohammad Ali Jinnah once disliked the name “India” because it sounded too colonial. Sarma countered that view, calling it a half-truth and arguing that the soul of the nation lies in the word “Bharat”—a name with roots in ancient scriptures and timeless traditions.

A Cultural Undercurrent

When Karnataka’s Home Minister raised doubts about Sanatan Dharma, Sarma responded with a dose of cultural clarity: “Sanatan means eternal—it has no beginning and no end.” His point? India’s identity runs deeper than the names stamped during the Raj.

What Would Changing the RBI’s Name Actually Do?

This is where things get interesting.

A Mindset Shift

For Sarma and others, renaming the RBI would signal a break from colonial structures, and a move toward institutions rooted in Indian ethos. It’s not about erasing the past—it’s about choosing which parts we carry forward.

The Paper Trail

Practically, if the name were to change, it would ripple across currency notes, legal documents, policy papers, and financial regulations. It wouldn’t be a quick fix—but it would be a powerful message.

Why Should You Even Care?

You might think, It’s just a name—why does it matter?

But look closer. This conversation is about how India defines itself in the 21st century. Is our identity tied to the labels left behind by a colonial power? Or are we ready to reclaim terms that reflect our history, languages, and civilisational depth?

For some, renaming the RBI is about pride. For others, it’s about practicality. But either way, it’s part of a larger shift—India finding its own voice on the global stage, not just echoing someone else’s.

Final Thought The RBI may remain the Reserve Bank of India for now—but the fact that we’re even asking whether it should be the Reserve Bank of Bharat says something big: India is not just looking back. It’s actively rewriting the narrative of who we are, and what we stand for.