The Union Cabinet of India has approved a historic proposal to change the official name of the southern state Kerala to Keralam. It represents more than a change in word. It is a matter not only of linguistic pride and cultural identity for the peoples of Kerala but also of local pride. Kerala’s leaders and citizens have been saying year after year that the name used by Malayalam people be given official recognition across all India. However, after the naming had been altered this comes along with a decision which does not just change one phrase but completely changes the whole tone of things.
The Union Cabinet approved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 on February 24. The bill will now be sent to the President of India, who will then refer it to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its opinions under Article 3 of the Constitution. After the process, “Keralam” will replace “Kerala” in the Constitution, the government documents that follow, and maps.
It has not been a mere shift in demand. In June 2024 the Kerala Legislative Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution by means of legislation requesting the Centre to name “Keralam” as the state’s official name. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was among those expressing strong support, saying that the state should be called by its own people's language. "Keralam" is a deeply entrenched cultural and historical term, while "Kerala" has been an anglicized English introduced during the colonial era.
Keralam is more than just a name, it's Malayalis. In Malayalam it is believed to mean “the land of coconuts” or “the land of Cheras” referring to a former Chera dynasty that reigned there. It is the state's wish to formally acknowledge this as its own name if only to retain its roots, and give weight to cultural pride. Many community members view this, see it as a way of respecting local languages and culture in India’s federal order.
Also crucial is the timing of the decision. Kerala Assembly elections are coming up and the acceptance of the name change is interpreted as an act of symbolism that could enhance the state of Kerala’s ruling party. It reflects its perception of local ownership and has an appeal to culturally aware voters.
Renaming Kerala to Keralam is a pivotal step in India’s evolution toward national identity, rooted in a respect for dialects across the region. After the constitutional process is complete, the state shall formally be named as Keralam as it is in the view of the people at large and its cultural heritage.
