Thiruvananthapuram: The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to officially alter the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam.” The decision, announced following a recent Cabinet meeting, paves the way for parliamentary legislation to reflect the Malayalam pronunciation and spelling preferred by many residents and scholars.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media after the meeting, stating that the Cabinet’s nod clears the procedural hurdle. “The President of India will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views,” Vaishnaw said. Once the Assembly’s input is received, the Centre will seek presidential approval to introduce the bill in Parliament.
The proposal aligns with Article 3 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to alter state names with due process. Proponents argue that “Keralam” better represents the state’s identity in its native language, where “Kerala” is an anglicized form. The demand has gained momentum over decades through cultural organizations, literary figures, and political parties across the spectrum in Kerala.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh recently highlighted Kerala’s pivotal role in India’s future during an event in Thiruvananthapuram. He emphasized that coordinated governance and leveraging the state’s strengths in education, science, and coastal resources could accelerate progress under a “double engine” development model. The name change is seen by some as a symbolic step toward greater cultural recognition amid broader economic ambitions.
Local reactions in Kollam and other districts have been largely positive, with many viewing it as a matter of pride. “It’s about respecting our bhasha and identity,” said a Kollam-based teacher and cultural activist. Critics, however, caution that the focus should remain on pressing issues like unemployment, infrastructure, and disaster resilience rather than nomenclature alone.
The bill’s journey through the Assembly and Parliament could take months, but if passed, official documents, maps, and signage would gradually adopt “Keralam.” This would place Kerala alongside states like Odisha (from Orissa) and Uttarakhand (from Uttaranchal) that have undergone similar renamings.
The state government has yet to issue a formal response, but sources indicate consultations are underway. For now, the Cabinet’s decision marks a significant cultural milestone for “God’s Own Country.”
