Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution to Change State's Official Name to 'Keralam'

In a significant development, the Kerala State Legislative Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution advocating for the official name of the State to be changed from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam.' The resolution, which garnered unanimous support from the Assembly members, also calls upon the Central government to adopt the name 'Keralam' across all languages included in the Eighth Schedule.

The resolution, presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlights the historical and linguistic significance of the name 'Keralam.' While the term 'Keralam' is commonly used in the Malayalam language, official records and documents, particularly in English, have traditionally referred to the State as 'Kerala.' This move seeks to rectify that discrepancy and bring linguistic harmony to the nomenclature.

The assembly's resolution underscores the roots of the demand for 'Keralam' as the State's name, tracing it back to the linguistic reorganization of states on November 1, 1956. On this date, known as 'Keralappiravi,' or Kerala Formation Day, the State was established on the basis of linguistic divisions. The demand for a unified 'Keralam' has deep historical origins, rooted in the aspirations of Malayalam-speaking people since the time of India's struggle for independence.

Addressing the constitutional aspect, the resolution highlights the need for an amendment to Article 3 of the Constitution, which pertains to the creation of new States and changes in the names, areas, or boundaries of existing ones. The resolution calls for urgent action to align the Constitution's language with the linguistic identity of the State.

In a bid to promote uniformity, the resolution further urges the Central government to adopt the usage of 'Keralam' across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, ensuring consistency and coherence in the State's name across different linguistic contexts.

As this significant proposal gains momentum, it sheds light on the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Kerala while signaling a potential shift towards a more unified and inclusive nomenclature for the State. The resolution's passage in the Assembly represents a collective step toward acknowledging and honoring the linguistic diversity and historical legacy of Kerala.