The Union Cabinet’s nod to rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’ on February 24, 2026, has sparked jubilation across the state. CPI, a key political force, congratulated the populace, hailing it as a corrective to colonial distortions and a boost to cultural self-assertion.
In its native Malayalam form, ‘Keralam’ encapsulates the state’s historical essence and fosters a sense of shared dignity. This progressive step aligns with India’s constitutional federalism, celebrating multilingualism over homogenization.
Recalling the June 2024 Kerala Assembly resolution under CM Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI emphasized the cross-party unanimity that mirrored societal harmony. The LDF government’s role was pivotal, pushing the agenda relentlessly through legislative and diplomatic channels.
CPI singled out Rajya Sabha MP P. Santosh Kumar’s July 22, 2024, intervention, which nationalized the discourse. Such democratic perseverance yields results, proving that people’s voices, amplified institutionally, effect change.
Upholding states’ cultural-linguistic autonomy, CPI stressed, fortifies the nation. This milestone reaffirms India’s vow to pluralism and federal respect, ensuring diverse identities thrive within unity.
Keralam’s adoption signals a cultural renaissance, encouraging other regions to pursue authentic self-expression.