In recent months, the discussion around changing the name of Kerala to Keralam has gained national attention. The proposal is not new, but in 2024–2026 it moved closer to reality after key political steps were taken by the state government. This article explains what the Kerala to Keralam name change proposal is, why it is being discussed, what has happened so far, and what may happen next.
What Is the Kerala to Keralam Name Change Proposal?
The Kerala government has proposed to officially change the state’s name from Kerala to Keralam.
“Keralam” is the name used for the state in the Malayalam language and in local cultural references.
Right now:
- “Kerala” is the official English name of the state.
- “Keralam” is commonly used in Malayalam.
The proposal aims to make the English name the same as the Malayalam name used by local people.
What Happened Recently?
In August 2023, the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution requesting the Central Government to officially change the name of the state to Keralam in the Constitution of India.
Later, in 2024, the state government introduced a revised resolution after certain procedural issues were raised by the Union Home Ministry. This updated resolution was again passed by the Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval.
As of early 2026, the proposal is still awaiting approval from the Government of India and Parliament.
Why Does Kerala Want to Be Called Keralam?
According to the state government, the main reasons are cultural identity and linguistic accuracy.
The word “Kerala” is believed to be a colonial-era adaptation used in English records. On the other hand, “Keralam” reflects:
- The traditional Malayalam pronunciation
- Local heritage
- Cultural and historical identity
The government has said that the change would align the official name with how the state refers to itself in its own language.
Is This Type of Name Change Common in India?
Yes. Several Indian cities and states have changed their official English names in the past to better reflect local languages and identity.
Examples include:
- Bombay changed to Mumbai
- Madras changed to Chennai
- Calcutta changed to Kolkata
- Orissa changed to Odisha
So the Kerala to Keralam proposal follows a similar pattern of linguistic correction rather than administrative restructuring.
What Is the Legal Process to Change a State’s Name?
Changing the name of an Indian state is not a simple decision. It involves multiple legal steps.
First, the State Assembly passes a resolution recommending the change.
Then, the proposal is sent to the Union Home Ministry.
After review, the Central Government must introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament.
The name change becomes official only after:
- Parliament approves the bill
- The President of India gives assent
Until then, the official name remains unchanged.
What Impact Will This Change Have?
If approved, the change from Kerala to Keralam will mainly affect official usage.
Government documents, school textbooks, maps, passports, and legal records may need updates. Central agencies and international records would also gradually adopt the new name.
However, daily life for citizens is unlikely to change in any major way. Administrative boundaries, governance structure, and laws of the state will remain the same.
What Happens Next?
The final decision now lies with the Central Government and Parliament.
They will examine the proposal and decide whether to move forward with a Constitutional amendment.
There is currently no official timeline for approval or rejection. The process may take months or even longer depending on parliamentary procedures.
FAQs
Is Kerala already renamed as Keralam?
No. As of 2026, Kerala is still the official name. The proposal is under review by the Central Government.
Why is the name change being proposed?
The change is being proposed to reflect the Malayalam name “Keralam” in official English usage for cultural and linguistic accuracy.
Will people need to change their documents?
If approved, official records may be updated over time. Citizens may not need immediate changes unless instructed by authorities.
Will this affect Kerala’s boundaries?
No. The proposal is only about the name. The state’s borders and administration will remain the same.
Will this affect Kerala’s boundaries?
No. The proposal is only about the name. The state’s borders and administration will remain the same.
Who will take the final decision?
The Parliament of India must approve the name change through a Constitutional amendment.