Explained: Why Kerala Assembly Wants to Rename the State to “Keralam”

The Kerala Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding the renaming of the state from “Kerala” to “Keralam” in all official documents, sparking widespread debate and discussion. This move, though seemingly simple, carries significant cultural and linguistic weight, raising questions about its historical context, implications, and the reasoning behind it.

Understanding the Linguistic Shift:

The change from “Kerala” to “Keralam” appears subtle, but it signifies a move towards a more phonetically accurate and grammatically correct representation of the state’s name in the Malayalam language. “Keralam” is the nominative singular form of “Kerala,” considered the more “formal” and “proper” form in Malayalam.

Historical Context:

While the name “Kerala” has been used for centuries, the current official spelling was adopted during the colonial era. The British, influenced by the Sanskrit language, used “Kerala” as the preferred form. However, the Malayalam language, the state’s official language, has always used “Keralam” as the correct form.

Arguments in Favor:

Linguistic Accuracy: The proponents of the name change argue that it aligns the state’s official name with its native language, ensuring grammatical accuracy.
Cultural Identity: They believe it represents a return to the state’s linguistic roots and strengthens its cultural identity.
National Recognition: By adopting the correct Malayalam form, they hope to gain greater recognition and acceptance of the state’s name at the national level.

Arguments Against:

Practical Concerns: Critics argue that the change could lead to confusion and unnecessary expenditure in updating official documents and infrastructure.
Symbolic Value: They argue that the current name “Kerala” has a long history and holds significant symbolic value, representing the state’s multicultural heritage.
Political Motivation: Some view the move as a politically motivated decision aimed at garnering public support without addressing real issues.

Moving Forward:

The Kerala government’s resolution is a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the state’s linguistic identity and heritage. While the practical implications of the name change may be minimal, it raises important questions about language, culture, and identity.

The debate surrounding this issue reflects the complexities of language and its role in shaping cultural identity. It remains to be seen whether the central government will acknowledge the state assembly’s resolution and formally approve the name change, but the debate itself is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting linguistic diversity.

Keywords:

Kerala, Keralam, State Renaming, Malayalam, Linguistic Accuracy, Cultural Identity, Historical Context, Political Motivation, Debate, Symbolism, National Recognition, Language Policy.