Archive · 10 Aug 2026
TN CM moves resolution to mandate Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at events
Tamil Nadu is a state in India, and it has a special song called the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, which is like its own anthem.
The leader of the state, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, wants this song to be sung at the start of official events.
That means the song would be played at schools, colleges, universities, government offices and public companies.
He says Tamil is like a mother to the people, pure and full of emotion.
The state has asked its government meetings, called the Assembly, to make this a rule.
One news report says the rule was already introduced, while another says it is likely to be introduced soon.
Tamil Nadu has wanted this song sung at events since 1970, and it became the official state song in 2021.
This is happening after the national government told states to play the National Song, Vande Mataram, at official events.
The state leaders say they will not compromise on their language and culture.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay moved a government resolution in the Assembly on Monday mandating the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the start of government events, though one report said the move was likely.
The state song would be sung at the commencement of programmes in educational institutions, universities, government offices and public sector undertakings.
Vijay said Tamil is 'not only a language but also our life and emotions' and that the mother tongue is 'as pure as one's mother'.
The move follows a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory asking states to 'strictly comply' with its January 28 directive on playing Vande Mataram before the National Anthem at official events.
Tamil Nadu issued an order on November 23, 1970, on singing the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at official events and officially recognised it as the state song on December 12, 2021.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay
- What
- Moving a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of government events
- When
- Monday, following the Aug 10 report
- Where
- Tamil Nadu Assembly, Chennai
- Why
- To ensure the state song is sung at official programmes and to protect Tamil Nadu's linguistic and cultural rights
State Government Stance
Union Government Stance
State Song vs National Song
State Government Stance
The Tamil Nadu government says Tamil is 'not only a language but also our life and emotions' and will not compromise on the state's linguistic and cultural rights, mandating the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at official events.
Union Government Stance
The Union Home Affairs Ministry advised states and union territories to 'strictly comply' with its January 28 directive that Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem at official events.
- Chief Minister
- C Joseph Vijay
- Action
- Moved a government resolution in the Assembly (one report calls it likely)
- Subject
- Mandating rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at commencement of govt events
- Venues covered
- Educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings
- 1970 order
- November 23, 1970 - state order on singing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at official events
- State song recognition
- December 12, 2021
- Report date
- Aug 10
- Source
- PTI