Tamil Nadu Government Makes Singing of Thai Vazhthu Compulsory at Official Functions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (August 10) moved a special resolution in the Assembly to make the singing of the Tamil song Thai Vazhthu compulsory at government functions. The development comes at a time when the singing of Vande Mataram at official functions attended by the governor has sparked protests and political debate in the state. Through this special resolution, the Vijay government wants to implement a uniform protocol under which this Tamil song will be preferred at government functions hosted by Tamil Nadu and institutions under its control. According to the resolution, Tamil is not just a language, but our life and our spirit. According to this resolution, singing of this Tamil song will now be compulsory at functions held in educational institutions, government offices, public sector undertakings and other establishments run by the state. The move has raised objections among Tamil leaders and some critics over the protocol to be sung at formal functions attended by the governor.