Chennai, Aug 13:
The Tamil Nadu government has issued a Government Order making the singing of Tamil Thai Vazhthu mandatory before the commencement of programmes organised by educational institutions, government departments, offices and public sector undertakings across the State.
The order follows the unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly through a voice vote. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and subsequently accepted by the government.
The government said the decision was aimed at upholding Tamil Naduās cultural identity and ensuring due recognition to Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the State Song at official and institutional programmes.
The resolution said Tamil Thai Vazhthu was not merely a song but an expression of respect for the Tamil language and Tamil culture.
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay said, āTamil is not just a language; it is a culture, a civilisation, a thought, and love. Tamil means hospitality; Tamil means gethu (boldness); Tamil means power.ā