Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously backs Tamil Thai Vazhthu priority in public events
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday (August 10, 2026) unanimously adopted a resolution mandating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the State song, be sung first before the commencement of programmes in all educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings, and other public institutions in the State.
The government resolution, moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, said the Tamil Thai Vazhthu was an expression of respect for the Tamil language and culture. The resolution emphasised that the move was in accordance with the linguistic and cultural rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India and aimed at preserving the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.
“Tamil is not just a language, but our life and emotion,” the Chief Minister said while moving the resolution. The text also described Tamil as “one of the world’s ancient classical languages” and noted that Tamil civilisation represented one of the oldest cultural traditions in the world.
The resolution recalled the history of Tamil Thai Vazhthu, which was taken from the play Manonmaniam, written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891. A Government Order stipulating that the song should be sung first at government functions came into effect on November 23, 1970. Subsequently, on December 12, 2021, the then DMK government issued an order granting it formal recognition as the State song.
However, the Union Home Ministry, in a letter dated July 9, 2026, made certain observations on the rendering of the State song and directed the State government to render Vande Mataram at the beginning of State functions. This directive led to Vande Mataram being played at the start of a convocation at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli, triggering debate over the precedence of national and State symbols.
The resolution passed by the Assembly now explicitly accords priority to Tamil Thai Vazhthu over other songs at State-organised events. It asserts the State government’s position on its cultural and linguistic autonomy, while the Union Home Ministry has not yet publicly responded to Monday’s resolution.
The development comes amid a broader Centre-State discourse on the use of languages and symbols in public life. While the Constitution provides for the protection of cultural rights, the Union government has often emphasised national integration through common symbols. The Tamil Nadu government, however, maintains that paying respect to the State song first does not diminish respect for the national song or anthem.
Observers note that the resolution, while not legally binding on the Union government, reflects the State’s legislative intent and could influence future administrative orders. The Assembly’s unanimous vote signals cross-party support, with opposition parties backing the resolution as a matter of Tamil pride and federal principle.
The State government is expected to issue a fresh Government Order incorporating the Assembly’s resolution, which would govern the sequence of songs at all official events. The matter may also face legal scrutiny if the Union government contests the State’s authority on this issue.
