Tamil Nadu CM Likely to Push Resolution on State Song at Govt Functions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is likely to move a resolution in the state Assembly on Monday mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of government events, according to sources.

The proposed resolution is expected to require the state song to be sung at the beginning of programmes organised by educational institutions, universities, government offices and public sector undertakings across Tamil Nadu.

The move comes against the backdrop of a recent advisory from the Union Home Ministry, which asked states and Union Territories to strictly comply with its January 28 directive that Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem at official events.

The Tamil Nadu government's proposed resolution would reinforce the state's existing position on the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at official functions. The state had issued an order on November 23, 1970, directing that the song be sung at the beginning of official programmes.

Tamil Thaai Vazhthu was subsequently given formal recognition as the Tamil Nadu state song on December 12, 2021. The government order made its rendition compulsory and stipulated that it should be performed first in the sequence of songs played at official functions.

The proposed Assembly resolution is therefore expected to reaffirm and institutionalise the existing practice across government-linked institutions and public programmes.

The development comes amid renewed attention to the protocol governing Vande Mataram, the National Anthem and state songs at official events. The Tamil Nadu government's move is likely to underscore the state's established practice of giving Tamil Thaai Vazhthu a prominent place at the start of official functions.