Kathmandu— The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on August 10 passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay mandating the singing of the state song, “Tamil Thai Vazhthu,” at the beginning of events held by schools, government offices, and other public bodies across the state. The move received unanimous support from major parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Congress party, solidifying its importance as a symbol of Tamil identity and cultural heritage. The resolution comes after observations made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the singing of the State Song.

Unanimous Support for State Song

Chief Minister Vijay emphasized the significance of Tamil language and culture, stating that “Tamil means pride, Tamil means power.” He urged members of the Assembly to support the resolution without partisan considerations. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by the Chief Minister, affirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity of the State song, asserting that prioritizing 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' is a fundamental state right.

Historical Context of ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’

The resolution acknowledges Tamil as one of the world’s oldest classical languages and highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil civilization. It notes that “Tamil Thai Vazhthu,” originally part of Manonmaniam Sundaranar's play 'Manonmaniam' written in 1891, was first adopted for use at government functions through a 1970 order. In December 2021, the song officially received the status of State Song, with its mandatory performance ordered at various institutions across Tamil Nadu.

The passage of this resolution reinforces the importance of 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' as a symbol of Tamil identity and ensures its continued prominence in official functions throughout the state.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.