Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday passed a resolution calling for “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” to be played as the first song at official functions across the state, in a move that could intensify the ongoing debate between the Centre’s push for “Vande Mataram” and Tamil Nadu’s insistence on preserving its linguistic and cultural identity.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, received support from both the ruling party and the Opposition, including the DMK and AIADMK. The rare show of unity in the Assembly underlined the political sensitivity surrounding the state song and its place in official ceremonies.
The resolution seeks to make “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” the opening song at programmes organised by government departments, educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings and other government linked bodies in Tamil Nadu.
The move comes at a time when the Centre has been encouraging the greater use of “Vande Mataram” at official events. A July 9 communication from the Union Home Ministry laid down a sequence for occasions where “Vande Mataram”, the national anthem and a state song are all played. According to the communication, “Vande Mataram” is to be played first, followed by the national anthem.
Tamil Nadu’s latest resolution challenges that order at the state level, insisting that “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” should get precedence at official programmes held within the state.
The dispute has been brewing since Vijay’s swearing in ceremony in May. “Vande Mataram” was played before “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” and the national anthem at the event, departing from the convention followed in Tamil Nadu for several years. The sequence triggered criticism and renewed the political debate over the status of the Tamil state song.
“Tamil Thai Vazhthu” has a long history in Tamil Nadu’s public life. The song was made mandatory at government functions in 1970 and was officially declared the state song in 2021. Traditionally, it has been played at the beginning of official programmes in the state.
For Vijay, the issue goes beyond the order in which songs are played. His government has presented the move as a question of respect for Tamil language, culture and the emotional connection people in the state have with the song.
The resolution also adds another layer to the larger political argument over Centre state relations. While “Vande Mataram” carries deep national significance, Tamil Nadu’s political leadership has repeatedly stressed that recognition of the state’s language and cultural traditions should not be diluted.
With the Assembly now backing the resolution unanimously, Tamil Nadu has made its position clear at state functions, Tamil Thai Vazhthu should come first.
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