The Indian government’s proposal to officially rename the southern state of Kerala as “Keralam” has sparked debate among the UAE’s large Malayali community, with reactions ranging from cultural pride to practical concerns. The Union Cabinet cleared the renaming plan earlier this month, a move that would align the state’s official designation with its traditional Malayalam pronunciation.
For the roughly one million Malayalis living in the UAE—the largest Indian expatriate group in the country—the discussion resonates strongly. Many see the change as a cultural correction similar to Bombay becoming Mumbai or Madras becoming Chennai, reclaiming an endonym over the colonial-era exonym.
“The push to rename Kerala to Keralam is essentially an effort to align the state’s official name with its native Malayalam pronunciation,” said Sree Prakash Purayath, General Secretary of the Indian Association Sharjah. He traced the term to either the ancient Chera dynasty (“Cheram”) or the combination of “Kera” (coconut tree) and “Alam” (land), meaning “The Land of Coconut Trees.” “It’s a powerful act of linguistic and cultural affirmation,” he added.
Not all UAE Malayalis agree. Nissar Thalangara, President of the Indian Association Sharjah, noted that Kerala has become an internationally recognized brand, particularly for tourism. “Keralam is local, Kerala is international. A public poll would have been preferable,” he said. Others questioned the timing, suggesting more urgent issues such as youth unemployment and drug abuse deserve attention.
The proposal has also sparked humor among the diaspora. Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor drew thousands of reactions on social media after joking about whether residents should now be called “Keralamites,” “Keralamians,” or simply “Malayalis.”
The renaming is not yet official. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, must pass Parliament and receive Presidential assent before official documents, passports, and global references reflect the change. Until then, discussions continue in UAE community halls, social media groups, and family chats.
Analysts say the debate highlights broader issues of identity and globalization. For UAE residents, the discussion over Kerala vs. Keralam underscores how diaspora communities negotiate cultural heritage while navigating international exposure. One expatriate summed it up: “Whether it’s Kerala or Keralam on the signboard, the appam and stew will taste the same. But it feels good when the world says your name the way you do.”
