In a unanimous decision, the Kerala Assembly has passed a resolution to change the official name of the state to ‘Keralam.’ The Assembly is seeking a corresponding amendment in the Constitution, which currently refers to the state as ‘Kerala.’ Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the resolution’s contents in the Assembly under Rule 118 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
NAME CHANGE RATIONALE
While ‘Keralam’ is the accepted and commonly used name in Malayalam, the state is officially referred to as ‘Kerala’ in records, especially in English. The resolution emphasizes the historical significance of the term ‘Keralam’ and its association with the state’s linguistic and cultural identity. The date of November 1, when states were reorganized on linguistic grounds, is celebrated as ‘Keralappiravi’ day, emphasizing the unity of the region for Malayalam-speaking people since the freedom struggle era.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
The resolution highlights the need for urgent measures to amend Article 3 of the Constitution, which deals with the formation of new states and alteration of existing state boundaries, areas, or names. Currently, the First Schedule of the Constitution specifies the state’s name as ‘Kerala,’ and the resolution calls for the change to ‘Keralam’ in recognition of the linguistic and cultural sentiments of the people.
CALL FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ACTION
The resolution also urges the Central government to adapt the use of the term ‘Keralam’ in all languages included under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This recommendation aims to ensure consistency and uniformity in the name across various official languages of the country.
The unanimous passage of the resolution in the Kerala Assembly reflects the significance of cultural identity and linguistic heritage for the people of the state. The move to officially change the name to ‘Keralam’ not only aligns with the common usage in Malayalam but also carries historical and cultural significance. The resolution’s call for a corresponding constitutional amendment and Central government action underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the linguistic diversity and regional identity within India.
