Tamil Nadu has officially designated 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' as the mandatory state anthem for all government events. The resolution, championed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, underscores the government's commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural rights. This move ensures the state song will now precede all official functions, including those at educational and governmental institutions. The resolution received widespread support from major political parties, indicating a unified stance on promoting Tamil identity. This action is seen as a reaffirmation of regional pride, particularly in light of recent controversies regarding the precedence of national songs.

Tamil Nadu has officially designated 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' as the mandatory state anthem for all government events. The resolution, championed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, underscores the government's commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural rights. This move ensures the state song will now precede all official functions, including those at educational and governmental institutions. The resolution received widespread support from major political parties, indicating a unified stance on promoting Tamil identity. This action is seen as a reaffirmation of regional pride, particularly in light of recent controversies regarding the precedence of national songs.

Tamil Nadu has officially designated 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' as the mandatory state anthem for all government events. The resolution, championed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, underscores the government's commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural rights. This move ensures the state song will now precede all official functions, including those at educational and governmental institutions. The resolution received widespread support from major political parties, indicating a unified stance on promoting Tamil identity. This action is seen as a reaffirmation of regional pride, particularly in light of recent controversies regarding the precedence of national songs.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday moved a government resolution in the Assembly making 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' the state anthem mandatory at the commencement of government events. 

While speaking at the Assembly, he said that his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government will not compromise on Tamil Nadu's linguistic and cultural rights.  

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), along with the Congress party, extended support to the resolution. The motion was unanimously passed in the Assembly. 

"Tamil means pride, Tamil means power. The moment you say 'Tamil', the entire Tamil Nadu will come together and stand as one. Tamil Thaai Vazhthu must hold the first place in Tamil Nadu. Giving first place to Tamil Thaai Vazhthu is our state right," he said. 

As per the resolution, the state song should be sung at the commencement of events conducted at educational institutions, universities, government offices and public sector undertakings in Tamil Nadu. 

The move comes in the backdrop of the latest advisory from the Union Home Affairs Ministry asking the states and union territories to "strictly comply" with its January 28 directive that the National Song Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem at official events.

A controversy had erupted earlier during the swearing-in ceremony of Vijay, where 'Vande Mataram' was played first in its full rendition, followed by the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana), while Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu was relegated to third position. 

Strong criticism was voiced by DMK and allies. Critics argued that giving Vande Mataram precedence over Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu undermined regional Tamil identity, language pride, and cultural autonomy in favour of Union directives.

TVK had clarified that there was no intent to diminish Tamil identity and assured that proper precedence for Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu would be maintained at future state functions.

An order was issued by the Tamil Nadu government on November 23, 1970, insisting that the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu be sung at the beginning of official events. 

The state government officially recognised it as the state song on December 12, 2021, making it compulsory to render this first in the sequence of songs to be played at official functions.

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