⚡QuickBite: Kerala to Keralam
The movement to rename Kerala to Keralam is gaining massive momentum. Here’s the 60-second scoop:
- Why? To align the English name with the native Malayalam pronunciation and shed colonial-era anglicization.
- The Status: The Kerala Assembly has passed two unanimous resolutions (2023 & 2024) seeking a Constitutional Amendment under Article 3.
- The “PIB” Proof: In a major shift, the Vice-President’s Secretariat recently used “Keralam” in an official release (PRID: 2233720) for his Feb-March 2026 visit.
- Next Step: A simple majority in Parliament is needed to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution.
The lush green state on India’s southwestern coast is on the verge of a historic nomenclatural shift. While the world knows it as Kerala, the state government and its people are making a concerted push to officially rename it Keralam. This move represents a deeply rooted transition toward linguistic decolonization and cultural reclamation.
For the readers of PIB Points, here is a deep dive into the history, the constitutional process, and the latest official developments regarding this significant change.
The Roots of the Name: Kerala vs. Keralam
In the native tongue, Malayalam, the state has always been referred to as Keralam. The term “Kerala” is often cited as a derivative of Cheram, referring to the ancient Chera dynasty. However, the suffix “-am” is a standard feature in Malayalam nouns.
During the colonial era and the subsequent drafting of the Indian Constitution, the anglicized version “Kerala” was adopted for official use in English. The current movement seeks to bridge the gap between how the state identifies itself and how it is recognized by the Union government across all official documentation.
The Legislative Journey
The journey toward this name change has seen significant milestones in the state assembly:
- August 2023: The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central Government to change the state’s name to “Keralam” in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
- June 2024: A second, revised resolution was passed to address technicalities, ensuring the request covers all official records and international treaties.
Constitutional Process: How a State Name is Changed
Renaming a state in India requires a constitutional amendment under Article 3. The process follows these specific steps:
- State Resolution: The state assembly passes a formal resolution.
- Union Approval: The proposal is sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for consultation with various agencies.
- Presidential Recommendation: The President refers the bill to the state legislature for their views.
- Parliamentary Bill: A bill is introduced in Parliament, requiring only a simple majority to pass.
- Amendment: Once passed, the First Schedule of the Constitution is amended to reflect the new name.
Recent Development: Official Usage in Union Communications
A significant milestone in this transition was recorded recently in official Union government communications. As reported in our latest National News updates, the name “Keralam” is already being adopted in high-level diplomatic schedules.
According to PIB Release (PRID: 2233720), the Vice-President’s Secretariat explicitly used the name “Keralam” when announcing the visit of the Honorable Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, from February 28 to March 1, 2026.
Key Highlights of the Vice-President’s Visit to Keralam:
- Changanassery: Chief Guest at the Centenary Celebrations of St. Berchmans College.
- Thrissur: Laying the foundation stone of Chetana Gaanaashram at Devamatha CMI Public School.
- Thiruvananthapuram: Attending the Centenary Celebrations of St. Stephen’s High School.
The use of “Keralam” in a PIB release issued by the Vice-President’s Secretariat suggests that the Union government is beginning to harmonize its public-facing documentation with the state’s linguistic preference even as the formal legislative process continues.
Why the Change Matters
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Linguistic Integrity | Aligns the official name with the phonetic reality of the Malayalam language. |
| Decolonization | Moves away from anglicized versions imposed during the British Raj. |
| Federal Identity | Asserts the state’s right to define its identity within the Union. |
Conclusion
For the people of the state, this change is more than a clerical update—it is an affirmation of Malayali pride and a tribute to the “Aikya Kerala” (United Kerala) movement. As we see more official entities like the Vice-President’s Secretariat adopting the name, the formal constitutional recognition of “Keralam” feels closer than ever.
Stay tuned to pibpoints.in for further updates on constitutional amendments and national administrative news.