Guru Ghasidas Central University (Image courtesy: ggu.ac.in) NEW DELHI: 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 said on Saturday.According to Chakrawal, the Bilaspur-based university’s standing committee passed a resolution on this about 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 added that the change will be implemented once the existing stock of marksheets and degree certificates is used up.Explaining the decision, the Vice Chancellor pointed to the use of “Bharat” during the G20 Summit held in India in 2023.“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,” Chakrawal noted.He also emphasised that the term “Bharat” has deep historical and cultural roots.“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.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.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNEET-UG Re-Exam Blunder: Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre, NTA Corrects Error After OutcryDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)Trump Calls PM Modi A ‘Tough Cookie’, Names Him Among World Leaders He Admires MostContradicting Supreme Court and Tribunal Orders?: TN Assembly’s Firm Stand Against Project123Photostories5 things Vastu says you should remove from your office desk immediatelyThe parenting lessons that Priyanka Chopra learned from her father: From making eye contact to being courageousHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional redTimes ‘Moana’ star Dwayne Johnson proved he loves being a girl dadThese are the world’s most beautiful airports of 2026; two are in IndiaIndia gets plenty of sunshine, so why are millions still deficient in vitamin D? Expert explains123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA
NEW DELHI: 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 said on Saturday.According to Chakrawal, the Bilaspur-based university’s standing committee passed a resolution on this about 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 added that the change will be implemented once the existing stock of marksheets and degree certificates is used up.Explaining the decision, the Vice Chancellor pointed to the use of “Bharat” during the G20 Summit held in India in 2023.“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,” Chakrawal noted.He also emphasised that the term “Bharat” has deep historical and cultural roots.“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.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.