TN Government Mandates 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' as First Item at Events

The Tamil Nadu government in Chennai has issued a Government Order dated August 12 mandating that the Tamil anthem, 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu', must be compulsorily rendered as the first item on the agenda at all government functions, educational institution events, and public programs across the state.

The directive puts an end to a controversy over the non-singing of the Tamil anthem as the opening item during official government programs. Under the new order, the rendering of the anthem must strictly take place before any other songs are sung at such public events.

The Government Order cited a resolution that was moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and passed unanimously in the Legislative Assembly on August 10. Following the unanimous legislative approval, the executive order was formally published to enforce the requirement statewide.

The anthem, 'Neerarum Kadaludutha', was written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar. The state government noted in the order that singing the song embodies respect for the Tamil language and culture, justifying its compulsory placement as the primary item on the event agenda.

With the issuance of the order, all public functions and events held in educational institutions and government bodies across the state are now mandated to follow the agenda protocol.