Kochi, Feb. 27 -- Union Minister and BJP MP Suresh Gopi on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honoured the essence of Kerala by renaming it "Keralam" and also by paying respects to the resolution, which was earlier passed in the state assembly.

Speaking to ANI, Gopi said the renaming of Kerala to Keralam will be cherished by every citizen of the state.

"The essence of Kerala originally being Keralam has been honoured and respected by PM Narendra Modi, who leads the Govt of India. So, I am so thankful to him for having paid respects to the resolution that was made in the Keralam Assembly a few months back. I am so thankful that he has respected a long-pending wish, which will be cherished by every Malayali in my state Kera...