3 weeks ago
Tamil Nadu Makes State Song First; CM, Haasan Hail Resolution
In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, there is a special song called Tamil Thai Vazhthu, which is like a tribute song to the Tamil language and culture.
The state's leaders decided that this song must always be sung first at official events, like school ceremonies and government meetings.
All the political parties agreed together, which is called a unanimous decision.
The Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, said the song's first place is a matter of the state's pride and rights.
A famous actor who also works in the national parliament, Kamal Haasan, said he was happy about the decision.
This is not a brand-new rule; the state has wanted this song first since 1970.
In 2021, the song officially became the state song of Tamil Nadu.
The song was written long ago by a scholar named Manonmaniam Sundaranar.
The central government of India also sent a letter about which songs to sing, but the state leaders wanted to make sure their own song comes first.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on August 10 making Tamil Thai Vazhthu the first song at government events, educational institutions and public functions.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay moved the resolution, calling the song's priority a matter of state rights and 'the highest tribute offered to Mother Tamil.'
The resolution reaffirms a November 23, 1970 government order and the song's official recognition as Tamil Nadu's State Song in December 2021.
The move follows a July 9 letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on song sequencing that referenced Vande Mataram.
Actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan, leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam, called the resolution 'heartening and commendable,' saying the trend of not yielding state rights must continue.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, actor and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan, and the DMK, AIADMK and Congress parties in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
- What
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution making Tamil Thai Vazhthu the first song to be sung at government events, educational institutions and other public functions.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, India.
- When
- The resolution was passed on August 10, reaffirming a November 23, 1970 government order and the December 12, 2021 recognition of the State Song; it follows a July 9 letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Why
- To stand firm on Tamil Nadu's state rights and honour Tamil language, culture and civilisation, amid Union Ministry of Home Affairs observations on song sequencing.
State Rights Stance
Central Guidance Stance
Priority of Tamil Thai Vazhthu at Official Events
State Rights Stance
Tamil Nadu leaders say giving Tamil Thai Vazhthu first place is a state right and the highest tribute to Tamil language, culture and civilisation; this trend of not yielding state rights must continue.
Central Guidance Stance
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued a July 9 letter with guidance on the sequencing of songs at official events, referencing Vande Mataram.
Key facts
- State Song
- Tamil Thai Vazhthu ('Invocation to Mother Tamil')
- Resolution passed
- August 10
- Unanimous support
- DMK, AIADMK, Congress
- Original government order
- November 23, 1970
- State Song recognition
- December 12, 2021
- Song origin
- Manonmaniam, an 1891 play by Manonmaniam Sundaranar
- Home Ministry letter
- July 9, referencing Vande Mataram in song sequencing guidance
- Chief Minister
- C Joseph Vijay
Quotes
C. Joseph Vijay
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
“It is heartening and commendable that the Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution stating that the invocation to Tamil Thaai should be sung first at government events; this trend of not yielding state rights must continue.”
deccanchronicle.com
thestatesman.com
“"Tamil means pride, Tamil means power," he said, stressing that the song should hold the first place at state functions.”
thestatesman.com









