New Delhi – In a move that honors local language and tradition, the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved changing the name of the southern state Kerala to Keralam. This happened on February 24, 2026, and it’s a change many in Kerala have been waiting for. Keralam is how the state is called in Malayalam, the language most people speak there, and it means “land of coconuts.” This isn’t just a small tweak; it’s about making sure official names match what locals use every day.
The approval follows a clear request from the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024, where everyone agreed on it. Now, the process moves to the President and Parliament. People are reacting in different ways, with some like MP Shashi Tharoor adding humor to it. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know – the reasons, history, steps ahead, what leaders say, and how it affects things. We’ll keep it easy to read, like chatting over tea, since our readers across India prefer simple words.
The Background of the Name Change
Kerala, soon to be Keralam, has a story that starts long ago. The area was once split into places like Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar. After India got independence, these joined to make Kerala on November 1, 1956. That’s why November 1 is Kerala Day, or Kerala Piravi, a big celebration.
But here’s the thing: in the Indian Constitution and English, it’s Kerala, but in Malayalam, it’s Keralam. This mix-up came from how the British said it. As time passed, and India started valuing its own languages more, folks in Kerala asked why not use the local name everywhere.
The idea picked up speed lately. In 2023, the assembly discussed it but needed to correct some details. Then, on June 24, 2024, all members said yes to asking the central government for the change. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said this would fix an old problem and respect Malayalam. He pointed out that in the Constitution’s First Schedule, which lists state names, it should be Keralam in every language.
India has done this before. Bombay changed to Mumbai in 1995, Madras to Chennai in 1996, and Orissa to Odisha in 2011. Each time, it was to use names from local languages and leave behind British ways. For Kerala, it’s the same – Keralam feels right for the 35 million residents.
Experts say the name comes from old days. Some link it to “Cheralam,” meaning land from the sea, since the coast was shaped by waves. Others say “Kera” for coconut tree, as the state is covered in them. Coconuts are everywhere in Kerala – in meals, for oil, and building stuff. So, “land of coconuts” makes sense.
The state is famous for a lot: almost everyone can read and write, beaches like Kovalam, calm backwaters in Alappuzha, hills in Munnar, and dishes like sadhya or seafood. Switching to Keralam won’t alter these, but it could make locals feel more connected to their roots.
Details of the Cabinet’s Decision
On February 24, 2026, in New Delhi, the Union Cabinet gathered with PM Modi in charge. They reviewed Kerala’s request and approved it. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the news, saying, “The Cabinet has cleared the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam.”
Before this, Kerala sent their assembly’s decision to the Centre. The Home Ministry looked it over, and both Law and Home teams okayed it. Some say the timing matters because Kerala votes in April or May 2026. It might help show the government listens to local wishes.
PM Modi described it as respecting what people want. He stated, “This rename shows our commitment to the cultural wishes of Kerala’s people.” Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Keralite, said, “A great day for Malayalees. Keralam is our true home name.”
This starts the process under Constitution Article 3, for name or border changes. But it’s not final yet – more steps are needed.
The Next Steps in Making It Official
With Cabinet approval, President Droupadi Murmu gets involved. She’ll refer a bill, maybe called Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala Assembly for their say.
Then, the bill heads to Parliament. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must vote yes with a simple majority. After that, the President signs, and Keralam is real. It might take months, but since no one opposes, it could be quick.
What changes for folks? Maps, road signs, textbooks, and official forms will say Keralam. In English, Kerala might linger, but officially, it’s Keralam in all listed languages. Places like Kerala Airport or trains might update slowly.
The government promises a smooth shift, like when Uttaranchal became Uttarakhand in 2007. Mostly paperwork, no huge hassle.
How Leaders and Public Are Reacting
The announcement brought cheers mostly. In Kerala, some shared sweets. CM Vijayan thanked Delhi, saying, “It corrects history and boosts our language pride.”
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, added laughs. On X, he wrote, “Hello Keralam! But what about us? Keralamite? Sounds like a germ. Keralamian? Like from space. Let’s have a contest!” His post spread fast, with ideas like Keralavasi or sticking to Malayali.
Rahul Gandhi hasn’t commented directly, but he’s big on saving regional tongues. In other talks, he pushes for that.
From everyday people, a Kochi teacher said, “Nice! We say Keralam at home. Now everyone will.” A Thrissur shop owner added, “Maybe more visitors come to see authentic Keralam.”
A few call it election play, but overall, it’s seen as good and simple.
Impacts on Kerala and the Country
This goes beyond a name. It highlights India’s mix of languages and customs. With 22 official languages, such changes make everyone feel part of it. For Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” Keralam could make ads more appealing.
Imagine tourists saying, “Off to Keralam!” It might lift spirits for Malayalis abroad, in places like Dubai or America.
Practically, IDs like Aadhaar or passports will update gradually. State plans to start with border signs.
Broadly, it matches trends like using Bharat over India sometimes. It’s about roots. An analyst noted, “These renames fix colonial scars and unite us.”
For economy, businesses might tweak brands a bit. Tourism could rise with curiosity.
Kerala leads in health, schools, and equality. This adds to its special tale. As Modi said, “It’s the people’s voice.”
FAQs on the Kerala to Keralam Shift
1. What’s the meaning of Keralam?
It’s Malayalam for the state, from “Kera” (coconut) and “Alam” (land). With tons of coconut trees, it’s spot on. Old texts from Tamil era and even Roman visitors mention it over 2,000 years back.
2. Why rename Kerala to Keralam?
To align with Malayalam pronunciation. Constitution had Kerala from English/British influence. Locals use Keralam, so assembly wanted unity. Like Mumbai from Bombay, it honors culture for 3 crore plus people. Talks started in 2023, sealed in 2024.
3. When does it become official?
Likely 3-6 months. Post-Cabinet, President sends bill to assembly, then Parliament votes. President’s sign-off ends it. Updates roll out step by step.
4. Any daily life changes?
Little at first. English might keep Kerala. Official stuff shifts to Keralam. Old papers valid. Tourists see no difference – same spots!
5. Other Indian name changes?
Yes: Kolkata from Calcutta (2001), Bengaluru from Bangalore (2014), Puducherry from Pondicherry (2006). All to local names, ditching colonial ones. Keralam joins them.
6. Leaders’ views?
Modi: People’s will. Vijayan: Thanks, fixes history. Tharoor: Funny on new terms, suggests contest. Mostly thumbs up.
7. Cost involved?
Not much. Signs and forms mainly. Odisha’s cost was Rs 10-15 crore. Kerala can afford, being prosperous.
8. Name for residents?
Probably Malayali stays. Tharoor’s humor sparked ideas, but no rule change. Maybe a light-hearted vote!