NPN

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution making it mandatory to sing the state anthem, 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu', first at the commencement of government functions. This move is being viewed as a challenge by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to the Centre's directive requiring the national song 'Vande Mataram' to be played first in the sequence of opening songs. While tabling the resolution in the Assembly, CM Vijay stated that the Tamil anthem should be accorded the highest priority within the state. Subsequently, both the DMK and AIADMK supported the resolution. Speaker JCD Prabhakar announced that the resolution had been passed and required no further approval for implementation. 'Tamil is our life and our emotion' In a post on X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay wrote, "Tamil is not merely a language; it is a mindset, a culture, and a civilization. Moreover, Tamil is our life and our emotion—a fact fully understood by the Tamil Nadu government. This historic resolution serves as the greatest tribute to 'Mother Tamil,' upholding and protecting the Tamil people's sentiments towards the language, as well as its antiquity, uniqueness, glory, and excellence. The day this resolution was passed will forever be remembered in the history of Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all political parties for unanimously supporting and passing this resolution. May the renown of 'Mother Tamil' resonate across the globe! May Tamil Nadu's journey of victory continue!" ''Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must be accorded the first place' While presenting the resolution in the Assembly, CM Vijay asserted that 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' should be given the highest priority in the state. He said, "Tamil signifies pride; Tamil signifies strength. The mere mention of 'Tamil' unites the entire state of Tamil Nadu. 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must be accorded the first place in Tamil Nadu. Granting the primary position to 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' is our state's prerogative." He urged all MLAs to set aside political differences and support the resolution, emphasizing that the TVK government would not compromise on upholding the dignity of the state anthem. History of 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' dating back to 1891 The resolution states that Tamil is one of the world's oldest classical languages ​​and that Tamil civilization represents one of the oldest cultural traditions globally. It also highlights the history of 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu,' tracing it back to the play 'Manonmaniyam,' written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891. A government order issued on November 23, 1970, mandated that this song be sung first at government functions. On December 12, 2021, 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' was officially accorded the status of the state anthem, and its rendition was made mandatory prior to events held in educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings, and other public institutions across Tamil Nadu.