Kerala to Be Renamed ‘Keralam’? Union Cabinet Approves State’s Proposal

Centre Clears Move to Change Kerala’s Official Name

     In a significant cultural and administrative development, the Kerala government’s proposal to officially rename the state as “Keralam” has reportedly received approval from the Union Cabinet. The move aims to align the state’s English name with its Malayalam pronunciation, where it has long been known as “Keralam.”

The proposal was earlier passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly and forwarded to the Centre for consideration. With the Union Cabinet’s clearance, the process now moves towards parliamentary approval, as the state’s name is listed in the Constitution of India.

Why ‘Keralam’ Instead of Kerala?

    In Malayalam, the native language of the state, “Keralam” is the traditional and widely used name. The government argues that the change reflects linguistic pride and cultural identity. Officials say the decision is about respecting heritage rather than altering administrative functioning.

What Happens Next?

    For the renaming to take effect, Parliament must pass a constitutional amendment updating the First Schedule of the Constitution. Once approved, “Kerala” will formally become “Keralam” in official records and central documents.

The move has sparked discussion nationwide, with supporters calling it a step towards cultural authenticity, while critics debate the timing and necessity of the change.As India continues to witness similar renaming efforts, the Kerala-to-Keralam transition could become another landmark moment in the country’s evolving identity politics.