Centre Approves Proposal to Rename Kerala as “Keralam”

The decision to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has received approval from the Union Cabinet of India, marking a significant step toward aligning the state’s official English name with its traditional Malayalam identity. The move reflects a long-standing demand from the state government and cultural advocates who have argued that the name “Keralam” has always been used locally in language, literature, and public life. The approval now sets in motion the constitutional process required to formally adopt the new name across official records.

The renaming of the state comes ahead of the assembly elections. (Photo: Pixabay) | Firstpost

Background of the Proposal

The proposal originated from resolutions passed unanimously by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2023 and again in 2024. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that while states in India were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956, the Constitution continued to use the anglicised version “Kerala,” creating a disconnect between constitutional terminology and cultural reality. The state government therefore requested the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution so that the official name reflects the linguistic heritage of the region.

Constitutional Process and Next Steps

Following Cabinet clearance, the proposed legislation will be sent to the President, after which it will be referred back to the state legislature for its views as required under Article 3 of the Constitution. The Bill will then be introduced in the Parliament of India for final approval. The proposal was examined in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (India) and the Law Ministry before being cleared, ensuring that procedural and legal requirements were fulfilled.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the decision as a reflection of the will of the people and an effort to strengthen India’s connection with its cultural roots. Once Parliament approves the legislation, official communication, government documents, and constitutional references will gradually transition to the name “Keralam.”

Historical and Cultural Significance

The name “Keralam” carries deep historical and linguistic meaning. It is widely believed to be derived from the Malayalam words “kera” (coconut tree) and “alam” (land), symbolising the region’s natural landscape and agricultural heritage. The demand for a unified Malayalam-speaking state itself dates back to the pre-independence period, when cultural identity played a major role in regional political movements. Renaming the state is therefore seen not merely as a linguistic correction but as a recognition of historical identity.

The move also follows a broader national trend where cities and states have adopted names closer to indigenous pronunciation and cultural traditions. Such changes are often intended to strengthen local pride and preserve linguistic heritage while maintaining administrative continuity.

Political Context

The timing of the approval has drawn attention because it comes ahead of upcoming state elections. However, central leaders have rejected claims of political motivation, stating that the proposal followed established constitutional procedures and was processed after careful review. Supporters argue that the decision represents cooperative federalism, where the Centre responds to the cultural aspirations expressed by a state legislature.

The MGMM Outlook

The approval by the Union Cabinet of India to rename Kerala as “Keralam” reflects a broader recognition of India’s linguistic and cultural authenticity, where traditional identities are gradually being restored in official usage. The proposal, backed by unanimous resolutions of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and strongly advocated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlights how constitutional terminology can evolve to better align with lived cultural realities. The name “Keralam,” deeply rooted in Malayalam language and heritage, carries historical continuity that many believe was diluted through colonial-era anglicisation. Aligning official nomenclature with indigenous pronunciation strengthens cultural confidence while preserving administrative clarity.

The Centre’s support, endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also demonstrates cooperative federalism in practice, where regional aspirations expressed through democratic institutions receive national consideration. With the proposal set to move through constitutional procedures involving the President and the Parliament of India, and having been examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (India) and the Ministry of Law and Justice (India), the process underscores institutional coordination rather than political expediency. Such initiatives contribute to a larger national pattern of reclaiming indigenous names, reinforcing the idea that cultural heritage and modern governance can move forward together without contradiction.

(Sources: Firstpost, Economic Times, India Today)