Kerala, August 9, 2023: A historic move by the Kerala legislative assembly has garnered unanimous support as they passed a resolution advocating for a name change for the state from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’ in both the Constitution and official documentation. The resolution, introduced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, remained unchallenged by any proposed amendments from the Opposition.
Chief Minister Vijayan underscored that the true name of the state in the Malayalam language is ‘Keralam.’ The states, established along linguistic lines, came into existence on November 1, 1956, coinciding with Kerala’s foundation date. The aspiration for a united Kerala for the Malayalam-speaking communities has been a cornerstone since the days of the national freedom movement. However, the present state name remains listed as ‘Kerala’ in the First Schedule of the Constitution. The assembly collectively appeals to the Union Government to take swift action to amend Article 3 of the Constitution to reflect the change to ‘Keralam.’ Furthermore, the assembly calls for the alteration of the state’s name to ‘Keralam’ in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
In an effort to showcase the state’s distinctive resources and cultural heritage, advancements in agro-industrial sectors, technological achievements, and discuss Kerala’s journey so far, the government has planned a series of exhibitions. Scheduled for a week commencing on November 1, celebrated as Kerala Day, in the current year (2023), these events aim to shed light on both the achievements and challenges faced by various sectors.
Under the banner of “Keraleeyam 2023,” an array of traditional art forms will take center stage, accompanied by a public art exhibition. This platform provides an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in Kerala’s vibrant cultural legacy, gaining insights into its rich heritage.
The push for the name change from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’ reflects not only linguistic accuracy but also a commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage that has defined the state for decades. The Kerala assembly’s unanimous support for this change marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey of cultural identity and recognition.
