3 weeks ago
Tamil Nadu Assembly Unanimously Mandates Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at Events
Tamil Nadu is a state in India where people speak the Tamil language.
The state has an official song called Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, which is a special tribute to the Tamil language and culture.
Recently, the government leaders of Tamil Nadu all agreed on a new rule.
The rule says this song must be played first at the start of every government event, like school ceremonies and office functions.
The leader who suggested this is Chief Minister Vijay.
He said Tamil is like life and emotions for the people, and that singing the state song first is not against India's unity.
In fact, he said it shows how India is strong because it has many different cultures living together.
This tradition has been followed since 1970, and the song became the official state song in 2021.
The new vote makes sure everyone keeps following this tradition.
This comes while India's central government asked states to play the national song, Vande Mataram, before the National Anthem at official events.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution making Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song, mandatory at the beginning of government events, educational institutions and public organisations.
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and backed by opposition parties including the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, PMK, VCK, CPI, BJP and Indian Union Muslim League.
Vijay said singing the state song first reflects India's 'unity in diversity' and should not be made into a political debate.
The move follows a Union Home Ministry advisory for strict compliance with its January 28 directive that Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem.
Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, taken from Manonmaniam Sundaranar's 1891 play Manonmaniam, has been sung at official functions since a November 23, 1970 government order and was recognised as the state song in December 2021.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay moved the resolution, with support from opposition parties including the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, PMK, VCK, CPI, BJP and Indian Union Muslim League.
- What
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution mandating that Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song, be sung first at the start of government events and at educational and public institutions.
- Where
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Chennai.
- When
- Monday, August 10, 2026.
- Why
- To protect Tamil Nadu's linguistic and cultural rights and traditions, amid a Union Home Ministry advisory on the order of songs at official events.
State Song First
National Song Protocol
Order of songs at official events
State Song First
Tamil Nadu's resolution mandates that Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song, be sung first at all government functions, citing a government order in force since November 23, 1970 and the state's linguistic and cultural rights.
National Song Protocol
The Union Home Ministry advisory instructs states and Union Territories to strictly comply with a January 28 directive that Vande Mataram, the national song, be played before the National Anthem at official events.
State song priority and national unity
State Song First
Chief Minister Vijay said insisting that Tamil Thaai Vazhthu be sung first reflects the nation's principle of unity in diversity and is not against India's unity or political system.
National Song Protocol
The Centre has issued advisories directing strict compliance with the national song being played before the National Anthem, indicating priority for national symbols at official events.
Key facts
- Resolution
- Tamil Thaai Vazhthu to be sung first at the commencement of official events in Tamil Nadu
- Passed by
- Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (unanimously, by voice vote)
- Moved by
- Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam)
- Date
- Monday, August 10, 2026
- Scope
- Educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings and other public organisations
- Origins
- Taken from the 1891 play Manonmaniam by Manonmaniam Sundaranar
- History
- Order in force since November 23, 1970; recognised as state song from December 12, 2021 (some reports cite December 17 or 21, 2021)
- Background
- Union Home Ministry advisory on January 28 directive to play Vande Mataram before the National Anthem; the latest letter is dated July 1 or July 9, 2026 in different reports
Quotes
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Government body in Tamil Nadu
“The TVK government will not compromise when it comes to protecting the pride of Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu. Saying that Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu should be sung first does not need to become a political debate. Leaving aside party differences, all members must come together and extend their support to this resolution.”
livemint.com
“The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution making the rendition of “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” mandatory as the first item at programmes conducted by educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions in the State.”
freepressjournal.in
C. Joseph Vijay
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
“"Tamil was more than just a language and described it as a source of identity, emotion and pride for the people of the state."”
firstpost.com
Sources
Tamil Nadu Assembly Backs 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' As First Song At All Public Functions
Tamil Nadu Assembly approves CM Vijay's resolution mandating ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’ at govt functions, institutions
Tamil Nadu Assembly passes CM Vijay’s resolution making state song mandatory for govt events, schools
TN CM’s resolution on Tamil Thaai Vazhthu unanimously passed in Assembly
Tamil Nadu Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution On Tamil Thaai Vazhthu
'Tamil Is Life': Vijay Govt Passes Resolution Mandating State Anthem Be Sung First At Govt Events
Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passes resolution giving 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' pride of place
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