Chief Minister Vijay Mandates Tamil Thai Vazhthu at State Functions

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay introduced a government resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on August 10, 2026, mandating that the state invocation song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, be performed first at all official programs. The mandate applies to government offices, public sector undertakings, universities, and educational institutions to establish a uniform protocol and remove ambiguity regarding ceremonial sequences.

This legislative action follows a July 9 letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and recent directives regarding the playing of Vande Mataram before the National Anthem. The move addresses political controversy and protests that occurred when Vande Mataram was performed before the state song at events attended by the Governor. Vijay framed the resolution as a defense of linguistic and cultural rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

The resolution received support from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam parties and is expected to be adopted unanimously. Tamil Thai Vazhthu, written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891, was first mandated for government functions in 1970 and officially became the State Song on December 12, 2021.