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Bhartiya Parliament, New Delhi, Bharat, April 22, 1946
The grand new Parliament building stood resplendent under the morning sun, a symbol of Bharat's democratic aspirations and newfound unity. Today was a historic day—the swearing-in ceremony of the members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, along with the President and Vice President of Bharat.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as dignitaries, politicians, and citizens gathered to witness this momentous occasion. Aryan, dressed in a crisp white kurta and churidar, stood tall, his heart swelling with pride and responsibility. The Bharatiya Vikas Sangh (BVS) had secured 338 out of 450 seats in the Lok Sabha, a testament to the people's faith in their vision. The party had also ensured the victory of most Governors and legislative assembly members across the 39 states and 8 union territories recognized by the new Constitution of Bharat.
As the ceremony commenced, the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha took their oaths, pledging to serve the nation with integrity and dedication. The hall echoed with their voices, each oath a promise to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. Aryan watched with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that this was just the beginning of their journey towards a prosperous Bharat.
Next, it was time for the swearing-in of the President and Vice President. Aryan stepped forward, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and solemnity. As he took the oath of office, he felt the weight of the nation's hopes and dreams on his shoulders. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the newly elected Vice President, followed suit, his presence a reassuring pillar of strength.
The ceremony concluded with resounding applause, the hall filled with a sense of unity and purpose. As Aryan descended the steps of the dais, he was approached by senior members of the opposition parties. Jawaharlal Nehru, who had run against him for the presidency, extended his hand with a warm smile.
"Congratulations, Aryan," Nehru said, his voice sincere. "I hope we can work together for the betterment of Bharat."
Aryan shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Nehruji. I look forward to a healthy and constructive collaboration with the opposition. I hope that with our collective efforts, we can achieve great things for our nation."
Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the independence movement, stepped forward next. His eyes twinkled with wisdom and hope. "Aryan, your victory is a testament to the people's trust in your vision. Remember, true leadership lies in serving all, regardless of differences."
Aryan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Bapu. And you don't have to remind me of this as I always have and will continue on my vision for a just and united Bharat where every citizen is treated fairly."
Other members of the opposition, including prominent leaders from various parties, also offered their congratulations and expressed their hopes for fair and inclusive governance. Aryan listened intently, acknowledging their concerns and assuring them of his commitment to a democratic and transparent administration.
As the leaders mingled, discussions naturally turned to the new administrative divisions of Bharat. The updated proposal for the division of Bharat into 39 states and 8 union territories was a topic of great interest. The names of the states were revised to reflect their cultural, historical, and linguistic identities, ensuring that the unity of Bharat was maintained while celebrating its diversity.
Proposed Division: 39 States + 8 Union Territories
Northern States
1. Devsthal Pradesh: Including modern-day Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand regions. The name reflects the significance of the region as the land of gods in Vedic culture and heritage.
2. Jammu & Kashmir: Including the entire Kashmir Valley and Jammu region as well as modern-day POJK. The name reflects the geographical and cultural identity of the people of the region.
3. Gandhara: Including the North-West Frontier regions and some parts of Afganistan, named after the ancient kingdom of the region in Vedic scriptures.
4. Punjab: Including the whole Punjab and Chandigarh, named after the five rivers of the region.
5. Haryana: Retains its name as the "Abode of Hari (Lord Vishnu)."
6. Rajasthan: Retains its name as the "Land of Kings."
Central States
7. Malwa: Western and central Madhya Pradesh, after the historical region.
8. Bundelkhand: Includes Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions for historical significance.
9. Dakshin Kosala: Current Chhattisgarh, reflecting its ancient name.
Western States
10. Sindhu Pradesh: Current Sindh Province. Named after the Indus river and its significance for the people from ancient times.
11. Balochistan: Retains its name
12. Maharashtra: Named after its people and cultural identity.
13. Saurashtra: Gujarat and parts of the Kutch region.
14. Konkanam: The Konkan Coast, including Goa, for its geographical and cultural identity.
Eastern States
15. Magadha: Combined Bihar and Jharkhand, after the ancient empire.
16. Gauda-Banga: West Bengal and Bangladesh, reflecting the ancient names of the region.
17. Kalinga: Current Odisha, named after the historical Kalinga Kingdom.
Southern States
18. Karnata: Modern Karnataka, named after its historical identity.
19. Andhradesa: Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.
20. Telangana: Retains its current name for linguistic identity.
21. Tamilakam: Tamil Nadu, reflecting its cultural heritage.
22. Malabar: Northern Kerala, after the historical Malabar Coast.
23. Travancore: Southern Kerala, after the historical Travancore Kingdom.
North-Eastern States
24. Asom: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting the Assamese name.
25. Meghalaya: Retains its name as the "Abode of Clouds."
26. Naganchal: Nagaland, emphasizing the Naga hills.
27. Kangleipak: Manipur, its traditional name.
28. Tripura: Retains its current name.
29. Mizoram: Retains its current name.
Himalayan States
30. Nepal: Autonomous state of Nepal.
31. Bhutan: Autonomous state of Bhutan.
32. Sikkim: Retains its name.
Island States
33. Simhala: Modern Sri Lanka, reflecting its ancient name.
34. Mahaldvipa: Maldives, derived from its original Sanskrit name, meaning 'Great Island'.
35. Chagos Dvipa: Chagos Archipelago.
36. Seyadvipa: Seychelles, reinterpreted in a Sanskritized form.
37. Mauryadvipa: Mauritius, honoring Emperor Ashoka's Maurya Empire.
38. Reuniona: Réunion Island, adapted into Sanskritic style.
South-Eastern States
39. Brahmadesa: Modern Myanmar, after its Sanskritized name.
Union Territories
1. Delhi: National capital.
2. Ladakh: Including Aksai Chin, high-altitude desert region.
3. Andaman-Nicobar: Retains its name.
4. Lakshadweep: Retains its name.
5. Socotra: Retains its name.
6. Pondicherry: Retains its name.
7. Diu-Daman: Retains its name.
8. Chandigarh: Retains its name.
This division maintains Bharat's unity while celebrating its diversity, ensuring administrative efficiency and cultural preservation.
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Vikas Sangh (BVS) had lost by a narrow margin of votes for the Governors of only a select few states: Haryana, Rajasthan, Konkanam, Karnata, Andhradesa, and Tamilakam. These states marked the emergence of Governors from Congress as well as some regional parties. Although the margin of loss was not large, it still marked an area of focus for BVS in the next elections.
Meanwhile, the autonomous states of Nepal and Bhutan retained their unique status. Their monarchies remained as the figurative heads, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage and historical continuity of these regions. However, an elected council was established for legislative purposes, ensuring that the voices of the people were heard and represented. The broader strategic decisions, especially those concerning national security and foreign policy, were managed by Bharat's central government, maintaining a cohesive national framework.
Aryan, aware of the delicate balance required to maintain unity while respecting regional identities, addressed the gathering. "Our win in most states is a testament to our commitment to focused and effective governance. We believe in empowering regions to thrive while ensuring that the central government provides the necessary support and strategic direction."
The leaders from Nepal and Bhutan expressed their gratitude for the respect shown towards their autonomy. "We appreciate the central government's approach in recognizing our unique cultural and historical context," said the representative from Bhutan. "This partnership will undoubtedly strengthen our bonds and contribute to the prosperity of the entire region."
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