Tamil Nadu Makes 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' Mandatory At Public Functions

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.

The resolution was moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who said the practice of singing the State song first at government functions and educational institutions had been followed in Tamil Nadu since the 1970s.

The resolution comes against the backdrop of observations made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in a letter dated July 9, 2026, regarding the singing of the State song. The Centre had mandated the singing of Vande Mataram first, followed by National Anthem and State Song.

The Assembly resolution traced the origins of 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' to Manonmaniam, a play written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891. The invocation to Mother Tamil was brought into official practice through a Government Order in 1970, which stipulated that it should be sung first at government functions from November 23 that year.

The song was subsequently accorded official State Song status with effect from December 12, 2021. A government order issued then mandated its rendition before the commencement of programmes at educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions in Tamil Nadu.

The resolution said Tamil was one of the world's oldest classical languages and Tamil civilisation represented one of the world's oldest cultural traditions. Emphasising that 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' represented respect for Tamil language and culture, the Assembly said the practice of singing it first was both a long-standing tradition and one backed by government orders.

The House also invoked the linguistic and cultural rights guaranteed under the Constitution, stating that the measure was intended to preserve Tamil Nadu's cultural identity. The resolution was adopted, with the Assembly reiterating that 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must be sung first, before the commencement of any programme.

This move is seen as a significant step towards promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The resolution has been welcomed by many, who see it as a way to promote the State's unique identity and cultural traditions.

The adoption of the resolution is also seen as a reflection of the State's commitment to protecting and promoting its linguistic and cultural rights. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the State's cultural landscape, and is likely to be welcomed by the people of Tamil Nadu.

In conclusion, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's resolution making 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' mandatory at public functions is a significant step towards promoting and preserving the State's cultural heritage. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the State's cultural landscape, and is likely to be welcomed by the people of Tamil Nadu.

The resolution is also a reflection of the State's commitment to protecting and promoting its linguistic and cultural rights, and is seen as a way to promote the State's unique identity and cultural traditions.

The adoption of the resolution is a significant development in the State's cultural landscape, and is likely to have a lasting impact on the State's cultural heritage.