Tamil Nadu Assembly approves CM Vijay's resolution mandating ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’ at govt functions, institutions

The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously approved Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's resolution on Monday to mandate the playing of the state song, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, at the commencement of government functions. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Congress all backed Vijay's resolution, despite party differences.

Vijay emphasized that the State Song should be the top priority in Tamil Nadu, stating, "Tamil means pride, Tamil means power. The moment you say Tamil, the entire Tamil Nadu will come together and stand as one." He urged members to unanimously support the resolution, asserting that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) would not compromise on protecting the pride of the State Song.

The proposed resolution stipulates that the State Song will be sung before programs at educational institutions, universities, government offices, and public sector undertakings across Tamil Nadu begin. Tamil is recognized as one of the oldest classical languages in the world, with a rich cultural tradition. The State Song, known as "Tamil Thaai Vazhthu," was first sung at the start of government functions in 1970 through a government order.

It gained the status of the State Song on December 21, 2021, and was mandated to be played before programs in various institutions in Tamil Nadu.