Despite the Cabinet’s approval, the change is not immediate. The bill must pass through constitutional stages before becoming law. Once the Kerala assembly provides its views, the Union government will decide whether to proceed with introducing the bill in Parliament. Final approval will depend on parliamentary consent and presidential assent.
This layered process reflects India’s federal structure, where even symbolic changes require careful coordination between state and Union institutions.
A Long-Awaited Cultural Shift
Renaming Kerala has been proposed before. In June 2024 a resolution to rename Kerala as Keralam was passed in the state assembly. Supporters of this proposal feel that Keralam reflects the region’s cultural and linguistic identity more accurately. It also closely mirrors how the name is pronounced in Malayalam.
For many residents, the name change has sentimental value; rather than merely cosmetic, it represents reclaiming an authentic culture. The term ‘Keralam’ is symbolic of history, tradition, and deep-rootedness and resonates strongly throughout the state.
The Legal Road Ahead
Renaming Kerala has been proposed before. In June 2024 a resolution to rename Kerala as Keralam was passed in the state assembly. Supporters of this proposal feel that Keralam reflects the region’s cultural and linguistic identity more accurately. It also closely mirrors how the name is pronounced in Malayalam.
For many residents, the name change has sentimental value; rather than merely cosmetic, it represents reclaiming an authentic culture. The term ‘Keralam’ is symbolic of history, tradition, and deep-rootedness and resonates strongly throughout the state.
Part of a Broader Cabinet Agenda
The announcement came alongside several other decisions. The Cabinet approved major railway expansion projects across multiple states, backed aviation infrastructure upgrades in Srinagar, and sanctioned a metro extension in Gujarat. Economic measures included higher investment limits for POWERGRID and a revised minimum support price for raw jute.
Yet it was the Kerala renaming proposal that captured public imagination. Names hold power. They shape identity and memory. For many observers, the shift from Kerala to Keralam may appear subtle on paper, but it carries quiet emotional depth.
More Than a Name
If implemented, the change will put Kerala in a group of Indian states that have changed the name of their state in order to align better with local language and history. It is uncertain if there will be a heated debate over this proposal or if it will receive widespread support.
Thus far, the decision lies at the junction of culture and governance. What once was a familiar name may become a newly recognised official name, carrying with it memories of language, heritage and a sense of belonging.
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