Kerala to Become Keralam: Union Cabinet Approves Name Change
Kerala, widely known as “God’s Own Country,” is set to be officially renamed Keralam. The new name carries cultural significance: “Keralam” comes from Malayalam and means “land of coconuts.” Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now go to the State Legislative Assembly for its views, a crucial step before it reaches Parliament.
How the Renaming Process Began
The renaming process started in June 2024 when the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to rename the state Keralam. Following this, the state government formally requested the Centre’s approval. The resolution highlighted the state’s history and linguistic identity. It noted that Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, for Malayalam speakers. Moreover, the Assembly stressed that using the name “Keralam” reflects the state’s cultural heritage and aligns with its Malayalam roots.
Steps to Make the Change Official
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to reorganize states and change their names. After Cabinet approval, the President will send the Bill to the Kerala Assembly to gather its opinion. Once the Assembly responds, the Centre will obtain the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament. If Parliament passes it and the President signs it, “Keralam” will replace “Kerala” in the Constitution and all official records.
Significance Ahead of Elections
The renaming comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections in 2026. Accordingly, the government says the move honors the state’s language and heritage. If approved, it will be a historic recognition of Kerala’s cultural identity. Meanwhile, citizens and officials await the parliamentary process to see “Keralam” officially replace “Kerala” across legal, administrative, and public records.
Kerala to Become Keralam: Union Cabinet Approves Name Change
Kerala, widely known as “God’s Own Country,” is set to be officially renamed Keralam. The new name carries cultural significance: “Keralam” comes from Malayalam and means “land of coconuts.” The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on Tuesday. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now go to the State Legislative Assembly for its views, a crucial step before it reaches Parliament.
How the Renaming Process Began
The renaming process started in June 2024 when the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to rename the state Keralam. After this, the state government formally requested the Centre’s approval. The resolution highlighted the state’s history and linguistic identity. It noted that Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, for Malayalam speakers. The Assembly stressed that using the name “Keralam” reflects the state’s cultural heritage and aligns with its Malayalam roots.
Steps to Make the Change Official
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to reorganize states and change their names. After Cabinet approval, the President will send the Bill to the Kerala Assembly to gather its opinion. Once the Assembly responds, the Centre will obtain the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament. If Parliament passes it and the President signs it, “Keralam” will replace “Kerala” in the Constitution and all official records.
Significance Ahead of Elections
The renaming comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections in 2026. The government says the move honors the state’s language and heritage. If approved, it will be a historic recognition of Kerala’s cultural identity. Citizens and officials now await the parliamentary process to see “Keralam” officially replace “Kerala” across legal, administrative, and public records.
