Assembly Makes Tamil Thaai Vazhthu Mandatory
Chennai, August 10: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution requiring officials to play Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song of Tamil Nadu, at the start of government events across the state.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay introduced the resolution and said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government would protect Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural rights.
Legislators from across the political spectrum, including the DMK and AIADMK, supported the resolution and helped the Assembly pass it unanimously.
CM Vijay Calls Tamil ‘Our Life and Emotions’
During the debate, Vijay described Tamil as more than a language and called it “our life and emotions.” He said people should respect their mother tongue in the same way they respect their mother.
“Tamil is not only a language but also our life and emotions. The mother tongue is as pure as our mother, and giving it the first place is a matter of state rights,” the Chief Minister said.
Tamil Thaai Vazhthu to Open Government Events
The new resolution requires educational institutions, universities, government offices and public sector undertakings across Tamil Nadu to sing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the beginning of their programmes.
The move strengthens the state government’s efforts to promote Tamil language and culture during official functions.
Tamil Nadu’s Long-Standing Tradition
Tamil Nadu has followed the tradition of beginning official events with Tamil Thaai Vazhthu for decades.
On November 23, 1970, the state government issued an order directing officials to play the state song at the start of official functions.
The Tamil Nadu government later recognised Tamil Thaai Vazhthu as the official state song on December 12, 2021 and required organisers to play it first during government events.
Resolution Comes Amid Debate Over Event Protocol
The Assembly passed the resolution amid a fresh advisory from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry asked states and Union Territories to follow its January 28 directive recommending that officials play the National Song, Vande Mataram, before the National Anthem at official events.
The Tamil Nadu government’s resolution reinforces its decision to give Tamil Thaai Vazhthu the first place in state government functions and highlights its focus on linguistic and cultural identity.
DMK and AIADMK Back the Resolution
The unanimous support from the DMK and AIADMK carries political significance. The two major parties came together on an issue concerning Tamil language and cultural heritage.
The resolution also highlights the continuing political importance of language rights, state autonomy and regional identity in Tamil Nadu.
With the Assembly approving the resolution, government institutions and state-run establishments across Tamil Nadu will begin their official programmes with Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, strengthening the song’s symbolic role in the state’s public life.