Breaking News: Will India change the name of its southern state Kerala to Keralam? Central Government approved, but Parliament’s approval required! Know the whole story of name change and the cultural reasons behind it.
Breaking News Update: The name of India’s southern state Kerala may soon be officially changed to Keralam. According to sources, this name is based on Malayalam language and is made up of two words – ‘Kera’ meaning coconut and ‘Alam’ meaning land. The state government passed this name change proposal in the Assembly and then sent it to the Central Government. Now the Union Cabinet has approved it. However, to implement it, the bill must be passed in Parliament.
Background of the name Keralam – why the change?
The name of the state of Kerala has long been used in English as Kerala. But in the local language Malayalam it is called Keralam. The state government says that this change will promote local cultural identity and linguistic heritage. The meaning inherent in the name is also special. Kera means coconut, which is important in the farming and lifestyle of the state, and Alam means land. Together this name symbolizes the nature and cultural heritage of the state.
Central government approval and next step
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal, but it still needs to pass a bill in Parliament to make it official. The new name of the state, Keralam, will be legally implemented only after the approval of the Parliament.
Is this name change controversial?
Some experts believe that changing the name will trigger changes in administrative and legal documents, which will entail expense and time. Whereas supporters consider it a necessary step for the identity and cultural pride of the state.