‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’It could soon be official (Inside pages, “Union Cabinet nod for ‘Kerala’ to become ‘Keralam’”, February 25). Yet, I still think that ‘Kerala’ sounds infinitely more powerful and regal than ‘Keralam’. It is much like Emperor Ashoka is more royal sounding than the very docile docked tail ‘Ashok’. The tag line for the delectable Onam Sadhya could now become ‘Keral-yumm’. The addition of the m/‘yemm’ will, hopefully, change the confusion in North India over the vegetable (Karela) and the State. Is this because of the superficial resemblance in shape?Sudhir Philipose,BengaluruIn reality these are diversionary tactics which sidestep the more pressing problems such as unemployment and governmental inefficiency. ‘Kerala’ becoming ‘Keralam’ is not an index of development nor is it a panacea for all the ills that plague God’s Own Country, where even gold that belongs to gods is not safe.C.V. Aravind,BengaluruPublished - February 26, 2026 12:24 am IST