Indian state of Kerala to be renamed Keralam to reflect local pronunciation

The Guardian World

by Penelope MacRae in Delhi

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Indian state of Kerala, renowned as "God’s own country" for its stunning beaches and lush tea plantations, is set to undergo a significant transformation. The Modi government has approved a proposal to officially rename the state from Kerala to Keralam, aligning the English name with its local Malayalam pronunciation. This decision reflects an effort to honor the region's cultural heritage and linguistic identity. The renaming process was initiated to address discrepancies between the state's official English name and its pronunciation in Malayalam, the primary language spoken by the state's 35 million residents. The proposal, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, aims to foster a sense of unity and pride among the local population by recognizing their linguistic heritage. This change is part of a broader trend in India where regions are adopting names that resonate more closely with their indigenous cultures. While the renaming primarily serves cultural purposes, it also carries implications for international recognition and branding. Kerala, or Keralam as it will now be known officially, is a major tourist destination celebrated for its natural beauty. The change may help streamline global perceptions of the state, ensuring consistency in how it's referred to internationally. This move underscores India’s commitment to preserving regional identities while maintaining national unity.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026