CM Vijay thanks parties for backing Tamil Thai Vazhthu resolution in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution mandating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu be sung first at functions organised by government departments, educational institutions and other State-run bodies. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay thanked all parties for supporting the resolution

Chennai: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday thanked all political parties for unanimously supporting a special resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly mandating that Tamil Thai Vazhthu be sung first at functions organised by government departments, educational institutions and other State-run organisations.

The resolution, moved by Vijay in the Assembly, was adopted unanimously after members cutting across party lines expressed their support. It seeks to formally ensure that Tamil Thai Vazhthu, recognised as Tamil Nadu’s State song, is accorded the first position at official functions.

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Following the passage of the resolution, Vijay took to his official X account to thank the parties and described the Assembly’s decision as a historic tribute to Tamil and Tamil identity. “Recognising fully that Tamil is not merely a language but a thought, culture and civilisation, and that Tamil is our life and consciousness, the Tamil Nadu government has adopted this historic resolution,” Vijay said.

He said the resolution reflected the government’s commitment to respecting and safeguarding the antiquity, uniqueness, pride and distinct character of the Tamil language as well as the cultural consciousness of the Tamil people.

Calling the resolution a “lofty tribute to Tamil Thai,” Vijay said the day on which it was passed would remain permanently etched in the history of Tamil Nadu. “I convey my heartfelt thanks to all parties for unanimously supporting and passing this resolution. May the glory of Tamil Thai rise across the world. May Tamil Nadu’s journey of victory continue,” the Chief Minister said in his social media post.

Earlier in the day, Vijay moved the special resolution in the Assembly seeking to make it mandatory for Tamil Thai Vazhthu to be sung first at programmes conducted by government departments, educational institutions, universities, public sector undertakings and other government-related organisations.

The resolution assumes significance amid a political debate in the State over the order in which Tamil Thai Vazhthu and other patriotic songs should be rendered at official events.

Tamil Thai Vazhthu, drawn from Manonmaniam, written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar, has traditionally been sung at official functions in Tamil Nadu. The practice dates back to a government order issued in 1970, while the song was formally recognised as the State song in 2021.

Vijay said the unanimous support demonstrated that political differences could be set aside when it came to protecting Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity.