Tamil Nadu Mandates Tamil State Song at Official Events

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a directive requiring *Tamil Thaai Vazhthu*, the official state song, to be rendered first at all official functions across the state. The order, issued by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar on August 12, follows a unanimous assembly resolution passed on August 10.

The resolution, piloted by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, emphasized that "Tamil is the ancient classical language of the world and Tamil civilisation is one of the oldest cultural traditions in the world." The directive applies to educational institutions, universities, government offices, and public sector undertakings.

*Tamil Thaai Vazhthu*, taken from the 1891 play *Manonmaniam* by Manonmaniam Sundaranar, has been performed at government functions since November 23, 1970, and was officially recognized as the state song on December 17, 2021. The order mandates standing during the anthem, with exemptions for differently-abled persons. The resolution followed communication from the Union Home Ministry dated July 9, 2026, regarding the singing of state anthems.