TVK’s Tamil Thaai Vazhthu resolution passes unanimously; CM Vijay says ‘mother tongue is life’

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to make the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu mandatory at the beginning of government functions across the state.

Moving the resolution, Vijay said his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government would not compromise on Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural rights. He described Tamil as more than a language, calling it a part of the state’s life and emotions.

“Mother tongue is as pure as one’s mother,” Vijay said in an emotive speech, asserting that giving Tamil the first place was a matter of the state’s rights.

The resolution received unanimous support from legislators across the House, including members of the DMK and AIADMK.

Where will Tamil Thaai Vazhthu be mandatory?

Under the resolution, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song of Tamil Nadu, will be sung at the beginning of programmes held at educational institutions, universities, government offices and public sector undertakings across the state.

Vijay said the move was aimed at protecting Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity.

Move comes amid Vande Mataram advisory

The resolution comes against the backdrop of a fresh advisory issued by the Union Home Affairs Ministry, asking states and Union Territories to strictly comply with its January 28 directive regarding the playing of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem at official events.

Tamil Nadu has had a policy of beginning official functions with Tamil Thaai Vazhthu for decades.

An order issued by the state government on November 23, 1970, directed that the song be rendered at the beginning of official events.

Tamil Thaai Vazhthu was formally recognised as Tamil Nadu’s state song on December 12, 2021. It was subsequently made mandatory to be sung first in the sequence of songs at official functions.

The latest resolution seeks to reinforce the practice across government institutions and public bodies in the state.