The Kerala government says Keralam reflects the state’s true cultural and linguistic identity
New Delhi: The Union government is likely to take an important decision today on changing the name of Kerala to “Keralam.” This development comes just a few months before the state Assembly elections. The Kerala Legislative Assembly has already passed a resolution supporting the name change, and now the proposal is waiting for approval from the Centre.
If the Union Cabinet approves it, the matter will then go to Parliament for a constitutional amendment. Only after Parliament passes the amendment will the name officially change.
Union Cabinet To Discuss
Reports say the Union Cabinet is expected to discuss the proposal in its meeting today and the Cabinet may approve it. If that happens, the government will introduce a Bill in Parliament to amend the Constitution.
Even if the Cabinet gives its approval today, the name will not change immediately. The Constitution must first be amended, and that requires Parliament’s approval and the President’s assent.
How It Started
The process began in August 2023 when the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution asking the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam.” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the resolution in the House.
He said that the state is called “Keralam” in Malayalam, and the official name should match how people in the state refer to it in their own language. Lawmakers from all parties supported the move.
Second Resolution Passed
In June 2024, the Assembly passed the resolution again. The Union Home Ministry had earlier returned the proposal for some technical corrections. After making the required changes, the state government once again sent the request to the Centre.
The Assembly also asked that the name “Keralam” be reflected in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Constitutional Process
Changing the name of a state is not simple. It requires a constitutional amendment under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. The Union government must bring a Bill in Parliament to change the name in the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists all states and Union Territories.
Once both Houses of Parliament pass the Bill and the President signs it, the new name will become official. Until then, the state will continue to be legally known as Kerala.
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Cultural Importance
Supporters of the move say that “Keralam” better represents the state’s culture and language. In everyday Malayalam, people have always called the state “Keralam.” Many believe that the official name should reflect the local language and identity.
In recent years, several Indian cities and states have changed their names to match traditional or local pronunciations. The proposal to rename Kerala follows a similar pattern.
Political Significance
The possible approval has drawn attention because Kerala Assembly elections are expected before May 2026. Political experts believe the decision may influence voters by highlighting regional pride and cultural identity.
Interestingly, the proposal has received support from leaders across different political parties. It has not faced strong opposition within the state.
What Will Actually Change
If Parliament approves the amendment, the name “Kerala” will be replaced with “Keralam” in official government records and constitutional documents. Government offices will gradually update documents and notifications.
However, there will be no change in the state’s borders, governance system, or administrative structure. The move is symbolic and cultural, not structural.
If everything goes as expected, Kerala may soon officially become Keralam, the name that its people have been using in their language for generations.
khushisikarwar is an award-winning journalist and content creator who thrives on telling stories that matter. As a key contributor to Newsisland, [she] focus on cultural commentary, providing readers with thought-provoking insights.
