Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a special resolution mandating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the State song, be sung first at functions organised by government departments, educational institutions and other State-run organisations.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who moved the resolution, thanked all political parties for extending unanimous support to the measure. The resolution seeks to formally ensure that Tamil Thai Vazhthu receives the first position at official functions across the State.
Following the passage of the resolution, Vijay said the decision was a historic tribute to the Tamil language and the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu. He described Tamil not merely as a language but as a representation of the State’s thought, culture and civilisation.
Vijay said the resolution reflected the government’s commitment to protecting the antiquity, uniqueness, pride and distinct character of Tamil, along with the cultural consciousness of the Tamil people.
Calling the decision a “lofty tribute to Tamil Thai,” the Chief Minister said the day would remain etched in the history of Tamil Nadu. He also expressed his gratitude to all political parties for setting aside political differences and supporting the resolution.
The resolution makes it mandatory for Tamil Thai Vazhthu to be sung first at programmes organised by government departments, educational institutions, universities, public sector undertakings and other government-related organisations.
The move comes amid a political debate in Tamil Nadu over the order in which Tamil Thai Vazhthu and other patriotic songs should be rendered at official events.
Tamil Thai Vazhthu is drawn from Manonmaniam, written by poet Manonmaniam Sundaranar. It has traditionally been sung at official functions in Tamil Nadu. The practice dates back to a government order issued in 1970, while the song was formally recognised as the State song in 2021.
Vijay said the unanimous passage of the resolution demonstrated that political differences could be set aside when it comes to protecting Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity.
