Tamil Nadu Assembly Unanimously Backs Tamil Thai Vazhthu as First Song at Official Events

Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly witnessed a rare display of political unity over language and cultural identity. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay introduced a government resolution making Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state anthem, the first song to be rendered at official government functions and events in educational institutions and public institutions across the state. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Assembly.

The origins of Tamil Thai Vazhthu date back to 1891, when Tamil scholar P. Sundaram Pillai wrote the opening verses of his play Manonmaniam as an invocation to Tamil Mother. In 1970, the Tamil Nadu government directed that the song be performed at the beginning of government functions. It was formally declared the state anthem in December 2021. The latest resolution comes after a controversy over the order of songs at official events, with Vijay’s government now seeking to reinforce the established protocol for Tamil Thai Vazhthu.