Kerala to be Keralam soon? Union Cabinet likely to approve name change proposal
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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The Union Cabinet in India is expected to approve a proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam during its meeting scheduled for Tuesday. This decision comes after the Kerala state assembly passed a resolution urging the central government to amend the Constitution under Article 3 to officially rename the state. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlights the demand for a unified identity for Malayalam-speaking communities, which has been prominent since the national freedom struggle.
The name 'Keralam' is already used in the Malayalam region and is considered more aligned with the state's cultural and historical roots. The resolution also calls for the new name to be reflected in all languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. However, upon verification, it was found that only an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution is required for this change.
The upcoming cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth—the new PMO and Cabinet Secretariat—is significant as it will mark the first such gathering at the premises. Union ministers have been asked to reach early due to potential photo sessions before the meeting begins.
This proposed name change reflects a deeper desire among state leaders to preserve regional identity and heritage. While the process of renaming a state is rare, this move underscores the importance of cultural pride and historical continuity in India's diverse tapestry. The decision could also spark discussions on similar demands from other regions seeking to assert their linguistic or cultural identities.
For readers interested in global and Asian news, this development highlights the ongoing debates around identity and regional aspirations within India. It also raises questions about the practical implications of such changes, including administrative, legal, and bureaucratic adjustments that would need to follow a formal rename.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026