Will Kerala Become Keralam? Union Cabinet Likely To Take Up Name Change Proposal This Wednesday

Thiruvananthapuram: The Union Cabinet seems to pull up a proposal for officially recognising Kerala as “Keralam” in its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, as per the reports. The move comes after a resolution was passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly asking centre to officially rename Keralam as the state’s official name in all other languages. The decision is seen to be politically motivated as Assembly elections are approaching in the state. 

It isn’t the first time that the state assembly has adopted the resolution to seek name change but earlier due to specific technical modifications for clarity and compliance the Union Ministry returned it back. 

Subsequently, on June 24, 2024, the house unanimously passed the revised resolution reaffirming its demand for renaming Kerala as “Keralam” aligning with its Malayalam nomenclature. 

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the aim behind renaming the state. He said in the assembly that Keralam reflects the state’s linguistic identity and historic legacy. He said the terms are profoundly used in malayalam and traces its roots back to history with the vision of a united Malayalam speaking region that emerged during the national freedom struggle. 

The change in the name would require clearance from the Union Cabinet and the subsequent legislative processes at the centre. So, if it grants permission, Keralam would be the official name used everywhere in all central and state records as part of communications, 

Following the Cabinet meeting an official announcement is awaited.  

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