Tamil Nadu Assembly passes resolution prioritizing state anthem over Vande Mataram
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Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay moved a resolution in the State Assembly on Monday mandating that Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the invocation to Mother Tamil, be rendered first at the start of all official state functions. The resolution received unanimous cross-party support, reaffirming a protocol dating back to 1970 amidst a growing disagreement with the Union government over the ceremonial order of songs at official events.
Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized that the state would not compromise on its linguistic pride or cultural autonomy. He stated that Tamil is an expression of identity and emotion rather than just a medium of communication, asserting that giving precedence to the state anthem is a fundamental right of Tamil Nadu. Under the passed resolution, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu must precede all other ceremonial music at functions organized by government offices, universities, educational institutions, and public-sector undertakings across the state.
The dispute intensified following a Union Home Ministry advisory instructing states and Union Territories to adhere strictly to a directive requiring Vande Mataram, the national song, to be played immediately prior to the National Anthem at formal events. Tension surfaced when a graduation ceremony at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University placed the Tamil invocation third in sequence after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem, sparking criticism across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu.
The practice of singing Tamil Thaai Vazhthu—derived from Manonmaniam Sundaranar's 1891 play—was first formalized by the state government in November 1970. Following legal observations in 2021 regarding its status, the state formally designated it as the official state song and made standing during its performance mandatory. State officials noted that the legislative resolution does not dismiss or challenge national symbols, but establishes that within Tamil Nadu's jurisdiction, official proceedings will open with the state's invocation.