BIG BREAKING: Modi Govt Approves Renaming Kerala to Keralam – A Historic Step for Linguistic Identity

New Delhi, February 24, 2026 – In a major decision, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala to Keralam. This change aligns the official English name with the state’s name in its native Malayalam language, fulfilling a long-standing demand rooted in cultural and linguistic heritage.

The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following the Cabinet meeting held at the new Prime Minister’s Office complex, ‘Seva Teerth’. The decision comes after the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, urging the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution and adopt “Keralam” as the official name.

Background and Rationale

The push for the name change dates back to the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956, when Kerala was formed on November 1 (celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day) to unite Malayalam-speaking regions. In Malayalam, the state has always been referred to as Keralam, but the Constitution listed it as “Kerala”. The 2024 resolution highlighted this discrepancy, stating:

“The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956… This Assembly unanimously appeal to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as ‘Keralam’.”

The proposal reflects a broader effort to honor linguistic identity and historical demands from the independence era for a unified Malayalam state.

What Happens Next?

The Cabinet’s approval initiates the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Constitution. The matter will now be referred to the President of India, who will introduce the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026. The Bill will be sent to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views before being tabled in Parliament for final approval and constitutional amendment.

This is not the first such renaming; similar processes have been followed for other states and cities in India.

Political Reactions

BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar hailed it as a “proud day for all Malayalees” and thanked PM Modi, emphasizing it honors heritage while countering divisive elements.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responded wittily on social media, quipping about potential new terms like “Keralamite” or “Keralamian”.
The move comes ahead of Kerala Assembly elections, adding political significance.

Why “Keralam” Matters

“Keralam” is the authentic pronunciation and spelling in Malayalam, often called “God’s Own Country”. Supporters argue the change strengthens cultural pride without affecting everyday usage in other languages.

This landmark decision by the Modi government bridges a linguistic gap and reinforces India’s commitment to respecting regional identities.

Stay tuned to Hindutone.com for more updates on this developing story.