The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a special resolution stating that public functions should begin with Tamil Thai Vazhthu, with support from all parties.
Moving the resolution, Chief Minister Vijay said Tamil is not merely a language but a living identity rooted in emotion, culture and history. He argued that the state should not allow Tamil’s place to be pushed back, and described Tamil Thai Vazhthu as a key symbol of the language.
The Chief Minister noted that since 1970, it has been a long-standing practice for Tamil Thai Vazhthu to be sung first at government events in Tamil Nadu, and said the government would not compromise on following that tradition. He also referred to the Constitution’s recognition of the importance of state languages, culture and heritage.
Leaders from DMK, AIADMK, Congress, VCK, Muslim League, PMK, CPI, TVK and CPI(M), among others, spoke in support of the resolution, which was then passed unanimously.
Separately, a public interest petition filed by Chennai resident Ananya Radhakrishnan sought directions to ensure government events begin with Tamil Thai Vazhthu and conclude with the National Anthem, alleging the practice was being diluted. During the hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari, the Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan said a new Union Home Ministry notification requires Vande Mataram first and then the National Anthem, but does not insist that Tamil Thai Vazhthu must be sung last.
