'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must come first: CM Vijay to move special resolution in Assembly today
Chennai, Aug 10
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to move a special resolution in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday seeking to make it mandatory for 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu', the state invocation song, to be rendered first at all government functions.
The resolution assumes political significance amid controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram at official functions attended by the Governor, an issue that has triggered protests and political debate in the state.
Through the resolution, the Vijay government seeks to establish a uniform protocol under which Tamil Thai Vazhthu will be accorded precedence at official events organised by the state government and institutions under its control.
The proposed protocol is expected to apply to functions conducted at educational institutions, government offices, public sector undertakings and other state-run establishments.
Under the proposed arrangement, Tamil Thai Vazhthu will be rendered at the beginning of such programmes. The move comes against the backdrop of differences over the ceremonial protocol followed at events attended by the Governor.
The rendition of Vande Mataram before Tamil Thai Vazhthu at some programmes has drawn objections from political quarters, with critics arguing that the established convention regarding the state invocation should be respected.
The special resolution is expected to formally reiterate the importance accorded to Tamil Thai Vazhthu at official events and remove ambiguity over the order in which ceremonial songs should be rendered.
Members belonging to various political parties are expected to participate in the discussion when the Chief Minister tables the resolution in the Assembly.
Legislators are likely to express their respective parties' positions on the issue before the House takes up the resolution for adoption.
The government is expected to seek consensus among all parties, given the cultural and political significance attached to Tamil Thai Vazhthu in Tamil Nadu.
The resolution is expected to be adopted unanimously after the debate, signalling the Assembly's collective support for ensuring that the Tamil invocation occupies the first place in the ceremonial protocol at state government functions.
The move could also establish clearer guidelines for future official programmes, including those attended by constitutional authorities, and prevent further disputes over the sequence of invocation songs at government events.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a sensible move. Every state has its own cultural identity and the state song is a symbol of that. It's not about disrespecting Vande Mataram, but about respecting our local traditions first. We can sing both songs, just maintain the correct order.
As a Tamilian, I fully support this. Our language and culture are our identity. Vande Mataram is a national song, but Tamil Thai Vazhthu is OUR song. If the Governor has a problem with protocol, that's for him to adjust, not for us to compromise our traditions.
I'm not from Tamil Nadu but I respect this move. Every region in India has its own cultural pride and it's about time we respect regional sentiments over blanket nationalistic narratives. If the state wants its song first, let them have it. Har Ghar Tiranga doesn't mean forgetting our roots.
This is a bit concerning though. We should be careful not to create unnecessary friction between state and national symbols. Vande Mataram is also a song of our freedom struggle. Can't we just sing both and focus on more important issues like development, jobs and education? Just my honest opinion. 🤔
CM Vijay is showing strong leadership on this. The Governor's office should respect the state's conventions. If they don't like it, they can go back to Delhi. Tamil Nadu will always stand by its language and culture. Well done, sir! 👏👏
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