India, Feb. 24 -- Kerala - widely known as "God's Own Country"- may soon be officially renamed Keralam. While the difference appears subtle, the shift carries symbolic weight: "Keralam," which is rooted in Malayalam, is commonly interpreted as "the land of coconuts."

The proposed change, cleared by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday, now moves into the constitutional process that could formalize the new name.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be sent to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views.

The decision comes ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, scheduled for the first half of this year...