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This is an archive article published on September 16, 2023

Name of country is Bharat, popular since ancient times: RSS

When asked about the controversy on using the term Bharat instead of India, Vaidya said the Sangh has always been insisting on the use of Bharat.

RSS Pune meet“After 2014, Bharat is slowly rising to its cultural identity. There are major changes taking place in its foreign policy, defence policy, and education policy,” said Vaidya. (ANI)
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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya Saturday said India is the only country which has two names and that the name of the country is Bharat and should remain so since the name is popular since ancient times.

Stating that the Sangh has always been insisting on the use of Bharat, Vaidya said, “Bharat is the only country using two names .  The name of the country is Bharat and it should remain so. Bharat is the popular name since ancient times,” he said.

The RSS leader’s statement comes soon after the G-20 Summit, where invites sent by President Droupadi Murmu to foreign dignitaries for a dinner mentioned her as the ‘President of Bharat’ in place of ‘President of India.’ Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing world leaders at the G20 Summit, had a name plaque in front of him, addressing him as the Prime Minister of Bharat, which stirred speculations that the Modi-led BJP government is trying to officially change the name of the country.

Expressing satisfaction over the BJP rule in the country in the last nine years, Vaidya said the BJP was going in the right direction vis-a-vis ruling the country and that the party needed 25 to 30 years for it to correct things of the past.  “After 2014, Bharat is slowly rising to its cultural identity. There are major changes taking place in its foreign policy, defence policy and education policy. These changes are creating a cultural identity of the country and the world is realising it,” said Vaidya, when asked to assess BJP rule in the country in the last nine years and the stand of RSS for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He was speaking after the three-day coordination meeting of 36 organisations affiliated to the RSS in Pune city on Saturday.

“There has to be correction of many things done in the past years and it would require 25 to 30 years for it. The direction in which it (BJP) is going is absolutely right,” said the RSS joint general secretary.

On discussion about the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Vaidya said, “Ram Mandir  has been constructed and the Sangh has been informed about it. The consecration ceremony will be held some time around Makar Sankranti.”

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The three-day coordination meeting of RSS also held discussions about the current situation in Manipur.

“The situation in Manipur is concerning…The government has to take a decision to resolve the situation and the Sangh is working with all communities,” said Vaidya.

On the controversy over statements related to ‘Sanatan Dharm’, the RSS leader said it was merely political. “Sanatan Dharma does not mean religion. Sanatan civilization is a spiritual democracy. Those who make statements about Sanatan should first understand the meaning of this word,” Vaidya said.

Talking about reservation for SCs and STs,  he said, “The opinion of the Sangh is that they should get reservation upheld by the Constitution and this social inequality has to be addressed soon.”

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background  Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.  "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More


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