Kerala to Keralam: The whole story of Kerala becoming Keralam, know why and who advised to change the name?

News India Live, Digital Desk: In Malayalam language the state is always called ‘Keralam’. The word ‘Kerala’ is actually the English and Hindi version of this name. The state government argues that when the names of the states are mentioned in the First Schedule of the Constitution, the word ‘Keralaam’ should be used there to respect the local language and culture.2. Historical basis: The history of Kerala is very ancient as per the inscriptions of Ashoka. In the inscriptions of the period of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC), this region has been called ‘Keralaputra’. Later, the word ‘Keralaam’ continued to be used in Sangam literature and medieval texts also.3. ‘Ekya Kerala’ Movement: Beginning of Modern DemandThe idea of ​​changing the name is not new. The ‘United Kerala’ movement started in the 1920s. At that time there was a demand that on linguistic basis, all the Malayalam speaking areas (Malabar, Cochin and Travancore) should be merged into one state and it should be named ‘Keralam’. When the state was formed on 1 November 1956, it was written as ‘Kerala’ in the official papers, which is now being corrected.4. What is the legal procedure for changing the name? Changing the name of any state is not so easy. It has to follow a long constitutional process: Assembly resolution: The state assembly has to pass the resolution by an absolute majority (which Kerala has done). Central approval: This proposal is sent to the Union Home Ministry. Constitutional amendment: Parliament has to make amendments under Article 3 of the Constitution. Presidential seal: The name is officially changed only after the signature of the President. 5. Have the names of states changed before? Yes, the names of many states and cities in India have been changed based on their local identity: Madras to Tamil Nadu (1969), Mysore to Karnataka (1973), Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand (2007), Orissa to Odisha (2011).