'Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ to be sung first at official events in Tamil Nadu; Assembly passes resolution

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a resolution making it mandatory to sing ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ before the start of official programmes in the state. Opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, supported the resolution. The move comes amid the Centre's directive to sing 'Vande Mataram' before the national anthem at official functions.

Chief Minister Vijay moved the resolution in the Assembly with the aim of strengthening Tamil Nadu’s long-standing practice of singing ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ at the beginning of official events. The resolution noted that Tamil is one of the world’s oldest classical languages. Following the passage of the resolution, ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ will be sung first at all official programmes held at educational institutions, government offices and public sector organisations in the state.

The prayer song consists of lines from the introduction to ‘Manonmaniam’, a famous play written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891. In 1970, the state government issued an order making it the opening song at government functions. On December 12, 2021, ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was declared the official state song of Tamil Nadu. Subsequent orders made its singing mandatory at schools, colleges and government institutions.

The Vijay government introduced the new resolution to give legal backing to the practice, which has continued as a tradition and under government orders since 1970. The government said ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ represents respect and affection for the Tamil language and culture.