Thiruvananthapuram, August 10, 2023: In a historic decision, the Kerala Assembly, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central Government to change the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam” in both the Constitution and all official records. The resolution, reflecting the state’s historical and linguistic identity, received support from all corners of the political spectrum, with the Congress-led Opposition choosing not to propose any amendments.
The resolution underscores the linguistic significance of the name “Keralam,” highlighting that the term authentically represents the state’s name in the Malayalam language. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his address to the Assembly, emphasised that this move is rooted in the state’s rich cultural heritage and holds immense importance for the Malayalam-speaking community.
The demand for this change traces its roots back to the pre-independence era when the aspiration for a united Kerala, encompassing all Malayalam-speaking communities, gained momentum during the freedom struggle. November 1, 1956, marked the formation of states in India based on linguistic lines, and since then, this date has been celebrated as Kerala’s formation day. The resolution aims to bring the state’s official name in line with its linguistic and historical roots.
The unanimous passage of the resolution by the Assembly sends a robust message of unity and cultural pride. While members of the Congress-led Opposition did not propose any changes, they expressed agreement with the sentiment behind the resolution. This bipartisan support underscores the shared understanding of the significance of linguistic and cultural identity within the state.
The resolution has set the stage for a potential constitutional amendment under Article 3 of the Constitution of India. While the process for changing the name of a state is formal and intricate, the Kerala government’s request is expected to be given due consideration by the Central Government.
This development has sparked discussions among various segments of society, including linguists, historians, and cultural enthusiasts. If successfully implemented, the change will witness the name “Keralam” being used in all official capacities, solidifying the state’s identity within the Constitution and official records.
The passing of this resolution signifies a significant step towards preserving and honouring Kerala’s cultural and linguistic heritage. As the proposal progresses in the constitutional process, it remains to be seen how promptly the Central Government will act on the Assembly’s request and whether “Keralam” will officially become the state’s name in the near future.
