Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) C Joseph Vijay’s resolution making the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state anthem, mandatory before the commencement of government events was unanimously passed by the state assembly on Monday. Support poured in from legislators across the political spectrum, including opposition parties like the DMK and the AIADMK. 

Moving the resolution, CM Vijay asserted that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) would not compromise on Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural rights. He struck an emotional chord, saying Tamil is far more than a language, adding it was intrinsically linked to the identity and emotions of the people of the South-Indian state. 

He asserted, “Tamil is not only a language but also our life and emotions,” underlining that the mother tongue was ‘as pure as one’s mother.’

Resolution bags unanimous backing in Assembly

Vijay continued by saying that giving Tamil its due prominence was a matter of state rights, and then reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting the language and the state’s cultural identity. 

The resolution is aimed at making the singing of the state anthem compulsory at the commencement of programmes organised by educational institutions, government offices, universities and public sector undertakings (PSUs) across Tamil Nadu. The measure saw unanimous backing in the Assembly, with members of both the ruling side and the Opposition supporting the resolution. 

Move comes amid Vande Mataram advisory

The state’s resolution comes against the backdrop of a fresh advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which directed the states and Union Territories to ‘strictly adhere’ to its January 28 directive on the playing of the national song Vande Mataram before the National Anthem at official events. 

Notably, Tamil Nadu has a long-standing policy concerning the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at official programmes. Back in 1970, the state government had issued an order requiring the state song to be sung at the beginning of official events. 

Following this, the Tamil Nadu government recognised Tamil Thaai Vazhthu as the state song formally on December 12, 2021. Subsequently, it was made compulsory to render the song first in the sequence of songs played at official functions. 

The latest Assembly resolution reinforces that position, placing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the forefront of programmes held across government institutions and public bodies in the state. With support from the DMK and the AIADMK along with other legislators, the Assembly has propagated a unified message on the prominence of Tamil in the state’s official and public life.