Proposal approved by Modi government will bring official English name into line with Malayalam language
The Indian state of Kerala, known as “God’s own country” for its golden beaches and lush tea plantations, is to be given a new name.
Narendra Modi’s cabinet has approved a proposal to change the southern coastal state’s name from Kerala to Keralam. The move will bring the official English name into line with how it is pronounced in Malayalam, the primary language spoken by the state’s estimated population of 35 million.
In the Malayalam language, the state, which draws millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year, has always been called Keralam. “Kera” means coconut tree and “alam” means land – making Keralam the “land of coconut trees”. Kerala produces nearly 45% of India’s coconuts.
Supporters say the change, which won unanimous cross-party backing in the Kerala state assembly, is about dignity and linguistic authenticity. Kerala’s chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, who leads the leftwing alliance in power, said the state should be known by the name its people use.
