Chennai, Aug 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday thanked political parties across the spectrum after the State Assembly unanimously adopted a special resolution making it mandatory for Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the State song, to be sung first at functions organised by government departments, educational institutions and other State-run organisations.
The resolution, moved by Vijay in the Assembly, received unanimous support after legislators from different political parties backed the proposal. The move formally seeks to ensure that Tamil Thai Vazhthu is accorded the first position in the ceremonial protocol followed at official programmes across the State.
Following the passage of the resolution, Vijay took to his official X account to thank all political parties for supporting the measure. He described the Assembly’s unanimous decision as a historic tribute to the Tamil language and the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.
Vijay said Tamil was not merely a means of communication but represented a deep-rooted tradition of thought, culture and civilisation. He said Tamil was closely linked with the identity and consciousness of the people of the State and that the resolution reflected the government’s commitment to preserving and protecting the language’s antiquity, uniqueness, pride and distinct character.
Describing the resolution as a “lofty tribute to Tamil Thai”, the Chief Minister said the day on which it was adopted would remain permanently etched in the history of Tamil Nadu.
He also expressed gratitude to members of all political parties for setting aside their differences and extending unanimous support to the resolution. Vijay said the decision demonstrated the collective commitment of the Assembly towards protecting Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Earlier in the day, Vijay had moved the special resolution seeking to make the rendering of Tamil Thai Vazhthu mandatory at the beginning of programmes organised by government departments, educational institutions, universities, public sector undertakings and other organisations under the State government.
The resolution assumes significance amid a political debate in Tamil Nadu over ceremonial protocol and the order in which Tamil Thai Vazhthu and other patriotic songs are rendered at official functions.
Tamil Thai Vazhthu is based on a portion of Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the invocation from Manonmaniam, the renowned Tamil literary work written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar. It has traditionally been rendered at government functions in Tamil Nadu. The practice dates back to a government order issued in 1970, while the song was formally accorded the status of Tamil Nadu’s State song in 2021.
The latest resolution is aimed at providing greater clarity and uniformity to the ceremonial protocol followed by State institutions. It would ensure that Tamil Thai Vazhthu is rendered first at official programmes, irrespective of the department or institution organising the event.
The unanimous adoption of the resolution is also being viewed as a significant political statement, with parties across ideological lines coming together on an issue concerning Tamil language and cultural identity.
Vijay said the unity displayed in the Assembly showed that political differences could be kept aside when it came to protecting the linguistic heritage and cultural consciousness of Tamil Nadu.
In his message following the resolution’s passage, the Chief Minister extended his greetings to the people of the State and expressed hope that the pride and glory of Tamil would continue to spread across the world. He also said Tamil Nadu’s journey towards greater progress and success would continue with the collective support of its people.
