Kerala to Be Renamed “Keralam”? Full Details on Central Government Approval & Constitutional Process Explained
In a significant development reflecting linguistic identity and cultural authenticity, the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has moved forward at the national level.
The decision follows a formal resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly and subsequent approval by the Union Cabinet. But is the name officially changed? Here’s the complete breakdown.
What Has Been Officially Approved?
The Union Cabinet of India has reportedly approved the proposal to alter the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam.” This approval allows the legislative process to move ahead under constitutional provisions. However, Cabinet approval alone does not finalize the name change.
What Is the Constitutional Process?
Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, changing the name of a state requires:
- Introduction of a Bill in Parliament
- Consultation with the concerned State Legislature
- Passage of the Bill by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Presidential Assent
Only after these steps are completed will the change be reflected in the First Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Why “Keralam”?
The word “Keralam” (കേരളം) is the original Malayalam name of the state.
- “Kera” means coconut tree
- “Alam” means land
- Meaning: “Land of Coconut Trees”
The move is seen as an effort to restore linguistic authenticity and align the state’s official name with local pronunciation and cultural identity.
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Is the Name Change Final?
As of now:
- The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed the resolution.
- The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal.
❗ Final legal recognition requires Parliament approval and Presidential assent.
Until the constitutional amendment is passed, the official name remains “Kerala” in central records.
Historical Context
India has previously witnessed similar name changes to reflect indigenous identity:
- Bombay → Mumbai
- Madras → Chennai
- Calcutta → Kolkata
- Orissa → Odisha
If passed, “Keralam” would join this list of culturally restored state names.
Conclusion:
The proposal to rename Kerala to Keralam represents more than a symbolic shift. It reflects a broader national trend of embracing regional languages and heritage within official governance structures. The final decision now rests with Parliament. Stay tuned for verified updates as the legislative process unfolds.
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