UAE's Malayali Community Embraces Kerala's Proposed Renaming to Keralam
The vibrant Malayali community in the United Arab Emirates has erupted in celebration following the Indian Union Cabinet's approval to rename the southern state of Kerala to Keralam. This historic decision, ratified on Tuesday, has ignited waves of pride, humor, and practical discourse among expatriates across the Gulf region, where many assert that the state has always been known by its traditional Malayalam name in spirit.
A Long-Awaited Cultural Correction
For decades, official documents such as passports, flight tickets, and maps have consistently used the name Kerala. However, within the hearts and homes of Malayalis residing in the UAE, Keralam has remained the cherished and preferred designation. Now, with the move nearing official status, the announcement has stirred profound emotions of cultural affirmation and identity among the Gulf diaspora.
The central government's decision follows resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly, aimed at aligning the state's official name with its authentic Malayalam form. In the UAE, home to approximately one million Malayalis—one of the largest expatriate communities in the country and the predominant Indian state group—the proposal enjoys overwhelming support.
Historical and Linguistic Significance
Advocates of the renaming, speaking to UAE-based outlet Khaleej Times, describe the resolution as a natural and necessary correction, akin to the renaming of Bombay to Mumbai or Madras to Chennai. They argue that this change replaces a colonial-era representation with the rightful, traditional Malayali form, reclaiming linguistic and cultural heritage.
Sree Prakash Purayath, General Secretary of the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS), emphasized that in Malayalam, the language spoken by the majority of the community, the state has always been called Keralam. He noted that the name Kerala is often perceived as a relic from the colonial period and subsequent official documentation.
Purayath elaborated on the etymology, suggesting the word originates either from Cheram, linked to the ancient Chera dynasty, or from Kera (meaning coconut tree) and Alam (meaning land), combining to signify The Land of the Coconut Trees.
It’s a classic case of endonym versus exonym. When a state reclaims its native name, it is often a powerful act of linguistic and cultural affirmation, he added, highlighting the profound symbolic impact of such a change.
Mixed Reactions and Practical Concerns
Despite widespread enthusiasm, the proposal has not been universally embraced. Nissar Thalangara, President of the Indian Association Sharjah and a representative of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), expressed a preference for retaining the existing name. He argued that Kerala is a more international term, whereas Keralam is viewed as a local preference.
Thalangara suggested that sticking with Kerala would be more advantageous for attracting international visitors and recommended conducting a public poll to gauge broader opinion before finalizing the decision.
Within the Indian diaspora, reactions have been diverse. While many celebrate the long-awaited resolution, others have raised practical questions. Congress parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, took to social media platform X to humorously ponder what residents of the state would now be called—Keralamites, Keralamians, or simply Malayalis. His post quickly gained traction, drawing numerous responses from viewers, including those in the Gulf.
Next Steps and Official Process
It is crucial to note that the renaming is not yet finalized. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, must undergo parliamentary approval to amend the Constitution’s First Schedule, followed by Presidential assent. Only after these steps will official documents and global references for the state be updated to reflect the new name.
As the UAE's Malayali community continues to celebrate this cultural milestone, the debate underscores broader themes of identity, tradition, and globalization, highlighting how a simple name change can resonate deeply across borders and generations.
