Union Cabinet Approves Kerala Name Change to Keralam

The Union Cabinet of India has approved a proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala as “Keralam.” This change, while minor in spelling, holds significant cultural meaning, as “Keralam” is derived from the Malayalam language and translates to “the land of coconuts.” The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, marking a step forward in the constitutional process necessary for the name change to be formalized.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, announced that the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be presented to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its input. This move is timely, as it precedes the state Assembly elections scheduled for the first half of 2026.

Historical Context and Legislative Process

The initiative to rename the state began in June 2024 when the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the change. This resolution emphasized that the name “Keralam” is more representative of the state’s identity, highlighting the cultural and linguistic significance of the term. The Assembly noted that states were organized based on language on November 1, 1956, a date celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day, marking the formation of the state.

The Assembly’s resolution stated, “The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam Language… This Assembly unanimously appeals to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as ‘Keralam’.” Article 3 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to reorganize states, including changing their names.

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the constitutional process will advance. The President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views. Once the Assembly provides its feedback, the Central Government will seek the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament.

Next Steps and Impact

If Parliament passes the legislation and the President grants assent, “Keralam” will officially replace “Kerala” in the Constitution and all legal documents. This change reflects a broader push for recognition of regional identities and languages in India.

As the process unfolds, the name change has sparked discussions among residents and cultural advocates about the importance of linguistic heritage and representation in governance. Observers note that this move could set a precedent for other states seeking to reaffirm their identities through similar renaming efforts.

The approval of this initiative not only highlights cultural significance but also demonstrates the responsiveness of the Indian government to the aspirations of its diverse population. As the official name may soon be Keralam, the people of Kerala await the next steps in this historic transformation.