In a historic move that resonates deeply with Kerala’s cultural roots, the Union Cabinet has approved the state’s official name change to ‘Keralam’. The Communist Party of India (CPI) wasted no time in congratulating the people of Kerala, terming it a triumph of long-standing democratic aspirations.
The decision, finalized on February 24, 2026, underscores the state’s linguistic and historical identity. ‘Keralam’, the authentic Malayalam nomenclature, symbolizes continuity of civilization and collective self-respect. This step corrects colonial-era anglicization, affirming India’s multilingual federal fabric.
CPI highlighted that the Kerala Assembly passed a unanimous resolution in June 2024 under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the Centre for the rename. This reflected broad consensus across castes, communities, and political lines, embodying the popular will.
Praising the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s persistent efforts, CPI noted how it championed the demand at state and national levels, formalized it through assembly resolutions, and engaged with the Centre. The party’s Rajya Sabha leader P. Santosh Kumar deserves special mention for raising the issue emphatically on July 22, 2024, amplifying Kerala’s voice nationally.
This approval demonstrates that sustained democratic struggles, legal processes, and public movements can drive positive change. CPI reiterated its commitment to protecting India’s pluralism, federalism, and states’ rights to honor their linguistic-cultural identities. Respecting linguistic diversity strengthens national unity, not weakens it.
As Kerala embraces ‘Keralam’, it sets a precedent for other states to reclaim their indigenous names, fostering a more inclusive India.