Kerala | 11 March 2026

Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the Central government has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam”, fulfilling what he described as a long-standing demand of the people of the state. The decision was taken after the Union Cabinet of India cleared the proposal on February 24. Earlier, the Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024 requesting the change in the state’s official name.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi, the Prime Minister said the new name reflects the cultural identity and language of the Malayali people. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Today, as I stand among you, there is a sense of joy for the entire state. The long wait of my Malayali brothers and sisters has come to an end. You have all been demanding for years that Kerala’s name be changed to Keralam. Our BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has approved this proposal.”

During the event, the Prime Minister also appreciated the role of the fishing community and congratulated the organisation for completing 50 years. He highlighted the strong connection between the community and nature, saying, “The world considers water, rivers and seas as resources, but the Dheevara community considers the oceans as its ‘amma’ (mother).” He also criticised previous administrations, claiming that the fishing community had not received adequate attention for many years.

Modi further spoke about initiatives taken by the central government to strengthen the fisheries sector, including the creation of a separate ministry and support through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. He said that about ₹1,400 crore has been allocated for fisheries development in the state. Later in the day, the Prime Minister is expected to launch and inaugurate development projects worth nearly ₹10,800 crore in Ernakulam district, including highway expansion projects and a major polypropylene unit at the BPCL Kochi Refinery.

Centre Approves ‘Keralam’ Name for Kerala, PM Modi Calls It a Long-Awaited Decision

Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the Central government has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam”, fulfilling what he described as a long-standing demand of the people of the state. The decision was taken after the Union Cabinet of India cleared the proposal on February 24. Earlier, the Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024 requesting the change in the state’s official name.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha in Kochi, the Prime Minister said the new name reflects the cultural identity and language of the Malayali people. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Today, as I stand among you, there is a sense of joy for the entire state. The long wait of my Malayali brothers and sisters has come to an end. You have all been demanding for years that Kerala’s name be changed to Keralam. Our BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has approved this proposal.”

During the event, the Prime Minister also appreciated the role of the fishing community and congratulated the organisation for completing 50 years. He highlighted the strong connection between the community and nature, saying, “The world considers water, rivers and seas as resources, but the Dheevara community considers the oceans as its ‘amma’ (mother).” He also criticised previous administrations, claiming that the fishing community had not received adequate attention for many years.

Modi further spoke about initiatives taken by the central government to strengthen the fisheries sector, including the creation of a separate ministry and support through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. He said that about ₹1,400 crore has been allocated for fisheries development in the state. Later in the day, the Prime Minister is expected to launch and inaugurate development projects worth nearly ₹10,800 crore in Ernakulam district, including highway expansion projects and a major polypropylene unit at the BPCL Kochi Refinery.