Vande Mataram and Tamil Thai Vazhthu: what is the protocol? | Explained

The Madras High Court has amended its Independence Day program to incorporate Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Invocation to Mother Tamil) at the start of the festivities, following the Madurai Bar Association's concerns over its exclusion from the court's initial circular. This comes after the Tamil Nadu Assembly endorsed Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the first song at state events and the State government issued a Government Order in support of this resolution.

The debate centers around the proper sequence for playing Vande Mataram, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, and Jana Gana Mana at official events. Tamil Thai Vazhthu was officially designated as Tamil Nadu's State Song in December 2021, although it has historically been performed at the beginning of state government meetings. The controversy emerged following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's inauguration on May 10, when Vande Mataram was played first, followed by Jana Gana Mana and Tamil Thai Vazhthu, deviating from the customary order.

The issue returned to light at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University's convocation in July, where Tamil Thai Vazhthu was once again played after Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana. On August 10, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously agreed that Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be the first song at functions run by government bodies, educational institutions, universities, public sector enterprises, and other public organizations.

The State government followed this with a Government Order on August 12, outlining the administrative measures to implement this decision. The Madras High Court's Independence Day program became the latest point of contention when its original circular failed to include Tamil Thai Vazhthu. Under pressure from the Bar Association, the Registry revised the circular to include the State Song at the onset of celebrations.

The Union Home Ministry's July 9 communication clarifies the protocol for the national song and national anthem, stating that Vande Mataram precedes Jana Gana Mana, but it does not specify the placement of a State song relative to these national songs. The Ministry later informed the Madras High Court that it had not issued any directive requiring a State song to follow Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana.

Instead, the July communication outlines the sequence between Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana, while also accommodating a State Song when one is rendered at the same event. Tamil Nadu's stance is that Tamil Thai Vazhthu should be the opening song at functions governed by the State's protocol. The State formally declared Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the State song in December 2021, and the Government Order from August 12 enforces this decision, mandating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu be performed at the beginning of all functions covered by the order.