The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday officially approved the proposal to rename the state of Kerala to 'Keralam'. This landmark decision aims to align the state's official name with its linguistic roots in Malayalam. While the move has been met with broad political consensus, it has also sparked a nuanced discussion regarding the English nomenclature used for the state's inhabitants, as highlighted by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The decision follows a persistent demand from the state government to adopt the name 'Keralam' across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Cabinet Approval and the Prime Minister's Endorsement
The approval was granted after a detailed discussion on the proposal submitted by the Kerala state government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this decision honors the long-standing aspirations of the people of Kerala and respects their rich cultural heritage. According to official sources, the state assembly had previously passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to effect this change. The Prime Minister noted on social media that the move would strengthen the state's unique identity and is in harmony with local sentiments and traditions.
Shashi Tharoor’s Linguistic Observations on Demonyms
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed the decision but raised a pertinent linguistic question concerning the English language, while tharoor pointed out that while the change to 'Keralam' is culturally significant, it creates a dilemma for English speakers regarding the correct demonym for the state's residents. He questioned what would happen to established terms like 'Keralite' and 'Keralan'. Tharoor remarked that 'Keralamite' sounds like a microbe, while 'Keralamian' resembles the name of a rare mineral. He suggested that the Chief Minister might consider holding a competition to determine the most suitable new terms for the residents of Keralam.
Legislative Roadmap and Constitutional Requirements
Following the Cabinet's nod, a specific constitutional procedure will be followed to formalize the name change, while according to government officials, the President will now refer the 'Kerala (Name Change) Bill, 2026' to the Kerala State Assembly for its views. Once the state's feedback is received, the Central Government will seek the President's recommendation to introduce the bill in Parliament. Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, parliamentary approval is mandatory for changing the name of any state. The official transition from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in all government records and the gazette will occur only after the completion of this legislative process.
Government Perspectives on Cultural Identity
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the decision as a significant step toward fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people. He stated that the name 'Keralam' would reveal the state's heritage in its full authenticity and uphold its pride. BJP National President Nitin Nabin also supported the move, describing it as an effort to move beyond the remnants of the colonial era. He emphasized that the decision reflects a national resolve to restore pride in India's civilizational roots and original traditions, reinforcing the spirit of 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' (Development as well as Heritage).
Historical Context of the Renaming Demand
In the Malayalam language, the state has always been referred to as 'Keralam', but it was officially recorded as 'Kerala' in English and other languages during the formation of states. The state government has argued that the term 'Keralam' is deeply rooted in the linguistic history of the region and should be standardized across all official platforms. The Kerala Assembly had passed resolutions in the past seeking this amendment under Article 3 of the Constitution. With the Union Cabinet's approval, the process has now entered its final administrative and legislative stages.