Chennai, 10 August (H.S.):The Tamil Nadu government on Monday moved a special resolution in the Assembly to protect the State’s long-standing practice of beginning official functions with Tamil Thai Vazhthu, following a recent communication from the Centre on the ceremonial order of national and State songs.

Chief Minister Vijay, who introduced the resolution, sought the House’s support to ensure that the State song continues to be rendered at the start of programmes organised by government departments, educational institutions, universities, public sector undertakings and other State-run bodies.

The move comes against the backdrop of a July 1, 2026 communication from the Union Home Ministry regarding the protocol for State songs. According to the resolution, the Centre’s prescribed sequence places the National Song, Vande Mataram, first and the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, next, leaving Tamil Thai Vazhthu to be rendered later.

The State government has opposed any alteration to the existing convention, maintaining that Tamil Thai Vazhthu has occupied a distinct place at official events for decades. Vijay said the song symbolised respect for the Tamil language, culture and heritage and reflected the State’s cultural identity.

The resolution also underlined Tamil’s status as an ancient classical language and described Tamil civilisation as one of the world’s oldest cultural traditions.

Tamil Thai Vazhthu is taken from Manonmaniam, written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891. The practice of singing it first at government functions dates back to a government order issued on November 23, 1970.

The song received formal recognition as Tamil Nadu’s State song on December 12, 2021. It was subsequently mandated at the beginning of programmes held in government offices, universities, educational institutions, public sector undertakings and other public organisations.

Through the latest resolution, the Vijay government has sought to reaffirm that established convention and ensure Tamil Thai Vazhthu retains its position as the opening song at official functions across the State.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman