Debate Among UAE Malayali Expats Over Kerala's Proposed Name Change to Keralam

Feb 26, 2026

82 min

Feb 26, 2026 01:32

New Kerala story: State name change to Keralam divides UAE’s Malayali expats

## Proposal for Name Change

The Indian state of Kerala may soon be officially renamed "Keralam," a move that has sparked mixed reactions among the Malayali community in the UAE. The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the Kerala government's proposal to align the state's English name with its Malayalam form, citing cultural and linguistic heritage.

## Mixed Reactions

The UAE is home to over a million Keralites, many of whom have strong ties to their homeland. While some expatriates welcome the change as a cultural assertion, others question its necessity and potential impact on global recognition. Dubai-based RJ and actor Mithun Ramesh believes the change is symbolic and unlikely to affect everyday language use.

## Cultural Identity

Ambujam Satheesh, chairperson of the Expert Committee, Dubai Chapter of the Malayalam Mission, supports the change, viewing it as a way to strengthen cultural identity. However, Nissar Thalangara, president of the Indian Association Sharjah, argues that Kerala is already a globally recognized brand and questions the timing of the proposal, suggesting it may be politically motivated.

## Broader Implications

The debate touches on broader issues of identity and cultural pride. Journalist Sadiq Kavil emphasizes the importance of preserving Kerala's secular values over focusing on nomenclature. Meanwhile, Susan Jose Desmond, a Malayali born in Dubai, sees the name as an emotional and cultural symbol rather than just a label.

## Historical Context

Kerala was formed in 1956, uniting Malayalam-speaking regions. The name "Kerala" is believed to derive from "Kera" (coconut) and "alam" (land), or possibly from the ancient Chera dynasty. The proposed change aims to honor linguistic heritage, but critics warn of potential administrative costs and confusion.

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