Kerala now Keralam: Why state got renamed & why timing of Centre's nod matters
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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The Central Government has approved renaming the state of Kerala as 'Keralam', a decision that aligns with the state's linguistic identity and historical roots. The resolution, passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024, highlights the importance of preserving the Malayalam language heritage and reflects the demand for a united state during India's independence movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized this as an effort to strengthen cultural ties, while BJP leaders celebrated it as a privilege to initiate the change, positioning their party as committed to completing unfinished tasks left by previous governments.
The renaming process has been decades in the making. The resolution pointed out that 'Keralam' is the correct Malayalam name for the state, which was reorganized along linguistic lines on November 1, 1956. This date is celebrated annually as Kerala Piravi Day. The resolution also stressed that the state's identity has always been rooted in its language and history, making it a matter of cultural pride to restore the original name.
Politically, this move carries significant weight ahead of the state elections later this year. It reflects the BJP's broader strategy to align with regional sentiments and showcase its commitment to preserving local cultures. While the party highlights the renaming as a step toward linguistic authenticity, critics argue it could also be seen as an attempt to gain political mileage byAppealing to voters' sense of identity.
The decision is part of a larger debate over language policies in India. The state has opposed making Hindi compulsory in schools, while the Central Government supports regional languages alongside national ones. This renaming process underscores the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and addressing modern-day political priorities.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026