Delhi Confidential: Shashi Tharoor’s language lesson, Chouhan’s outreach to farmers
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently clarified the linguistic distinction between 'Keralam' and 'Kerala' on social media. His explanation follows the state's official adoption of 'Keralam' as its formal name.
The Linguistic Nuance of State Identity
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his erudite command of the English language, recently engaged in an educational exchange on social media regarding the nomenclature of his home state. The interaction was sparked by a post from British diplomat Andrew Fleming, who shared an image from a beach in Kerala. Tharoor’s welcoming response, which utilized the term "Keralam," prompted a public inquiry from a follower regarding the discrepancy between this usage and the state’s established brand, "Kerala Tourism."
Deciphering the Grammatical Distinction
Tharoor’s response served as a definitive lesson in regional linguistics. He clarified that "Keralam" functions as the proper noun, which has now been officially adopted as the state's formal name. Conversely, he explained that "Kerala" serves as the adjectival form. To further illustrate this grammatical distinction, he drew a parallel to the relationship between "Malayalam" and "Malayala," offering a linguistic framework that separates the identity of the state from its descriptive usage.
The Broader Context of State Renaming
This exchange highlights a growing movement in India to reclaim or formalize indigenous names for states and cities, moving away from colonial-era anglicizations. By insisting on the usage of "Keralam," proponents are emphasizing the cultural and historical roots of the region. This shift is not merely cosmetic; it represents a significant effort to align official state documentation with the linguistic reality spoken by its native population.
Digital Diplomacy and Public Discourse
Tharoor’s tendency to conduct "impromptu language classes" on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) serves as a unique bridge between high-level politics and public education. By addressing the follower's confusion, Tharoor used his platform to standardize the usage of the state's name, effectively reaching a broad audience. This interaction underscores how digital engagement allows public figures to shape cultural discourse and clarify official policy changes in real-time.
Future Implications for Branding
While "Kerala Tourism" remains a powerful and recognizable global brand, the legislative adoption of "Keralam" suggests that the state may eventually transition its official identity across all sectors. As Tharoor noted, his explanation was for "everyone out there," signaling that he views this linguistic correction as a necessary step in the public adoption of the state's new formal name. This transition will likely be a gradual process as the distinction between the noun and the adjective becomes embedded in common parlance.