Now Reading: Tamil Thaai Vazhthu now mandatory first at all official events
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Tamil Thaai Vazhthu now mandatory first at all official events
The Tamil Nadu government on August 12 mandated that the state song, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, be sung first at all official events, including government offices, educational institutions, and public sector undertakings. The…
The Story in Brief
The Tamil Nadu government on August 12 mandated that the state song, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, be sung first at all official events, including government offices, educational institutions, and public sector undertakings. The order, issued by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, follows a unanimous Assembly resolution moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on August 10 that declared Tamil an ancient classical language.
Hours later, the Madras High Court revised its Independence Day circular to include Tamil Thaai Vazhthu first, followed by Vande Mataram and the national anthem. The earlier version had omitted the state song, prompting the Madurai Bench Bar Association to write to the Registrar General, calling it an enduring symbol of Tamil identity. The Centre had earlier issued an advisory for the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026.
The Indian Opinion
The order is being framed as either a cultural assertion or a challenge to national symbols. Neither is accurate. The state song has been sung at functions since 1970, and the Madras High Court's revised circular shows both songs can coexist. The real test will be how consistently the rule is followed in district courts and schools, and whether the Centre's silence on the July 2026 advisory signals a quiet acceptance or a future flashpoint.
Sources (2): deccanherald.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
