Kerala State Officially Renamed Keralam in Historic Language Alignment
The Indian state of Kerala, celebrated globally as "God's own country" for its breathtaking golden beaches and expansive tea plantations, is undergoing a significant transformation. The national cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally approved a proposal to change the state's official English name from Kerala to Keralam.
This change brings the English designation into precise alignment with how the state's name is pronounced in Malayalam, the primary language spoken by approximately 35 million residents. In Malayalam, the state has always been referred to as Keralam, with "Kera" meaning coconut tree and "alam" meaning land, collectively translating to "land of coconut trees." This is particularly fitting as Kerala produces nearly 45% of India's total coconut output.
Cultural Dignity and Linguistic Authenticity Drive Change
Supporters emphasize that this name change represents a crucial step toward cultural dignity and linguistic authenticity. The proposal received unanimous cross-party support in the Kerala state assembly, reflecting broad consensus. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who leads the ruling leftwing alliance, stated that the state should be known by the name its own people use in daily life.
Priya Matthew, a schoolteacher from Kozhikode, one of Kerala's major urban centers, expressed mixed feelings. "Keralam is the name we use in Malayalam, so using it in English feels more natural and familiar," she said. However, she noted that the English version "Kerala" possessed "a certain musical flow that 'Keralam' doesn't have," highlighting the emotional attachment to the existing name.
Part of Broader National Trend Under Modi Government
This renaming initiative fits into a larger pattern across India that has gained momentum under Modi's leadership, focusing on reclaiming indigenous spellings and moving away from colonial-era names. Notable examples include Mumbai replacing Bombay, Chennai replacing Madras, Kolkata replacing Calcutta, Bengaluru replacing Bangalore, and Odisha replacing Orissa.
The proposal now moves to the national parliament for final approval, where it is expected to pass smoothly. Once enacted, Keralam will become the official name in all English-language governmental and administrative records.
Linguistic Questions Emerge About Resident Terminology
Shashi Tharoor, an author and senior Congress party member representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala, welcomed the change but raised an interesting linguistic point. "All to the good, no doubt," Tharoor wrote on social media. "But a small linguistic question for the anglophones among us: what happens now to the terms 'Keralite' and 'Keralan' for the denizens of the new 'Keralam'?"
This name change underscores the ongoing evolution of India's cultural and linguistic landscape, balancing modernization with deep-rooted heritage.
