21 Tamil Nadu MPs write to Governor to restore state anthem as first song at events
A fresh controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the sequence of anthems played at official functions. Twenty-one Members of Parliament from the state on
A fresh controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the sequence of anthems played at official functions. Twenty-one Members of Parliament from the state on Thursday wrote to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, requesting the reinstatement of the practice of performing the ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’ at the start of university and government events. In a letter dated August 5, the MPs requested the Governor to issue clear guidelines to universities and state institutions to ensure that the Tamil anthem is played at the commencement of official programmes, followed by the Anthem at the conclusion. Read Full Story The representation came after the 33rd convocation ceremony of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli on July 28, where the sequence of songs triggered criticism.
According to the MPs, instructions from Raj Bhavan resulted in the event beginning with ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the Anthem, while ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’ was rendered third. The MPs said placing the state anthem after the other two songs was perceived by many as “an unintended slight” to the people of Tamil Nadu and to Manonmaniam Sundaranar Pillai, the composer of ‘Neeraarum Kadaludutha’, after whom the university is named. They highlighted that ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’ was declared Tamil Nadu’s official state song in 2021 and has been part of public functions in the state for over five decades.
The MPs also referred to the Governor’s address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly in June 2026, where the proceedings began with ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’, followed by the Anthem. Citing practices in other states, including Karnataka, the MPs said state anthems are traditionally given precedence at official events and sought similar adherence in Tamil Nadu. The letter was signed by senior leaders including P Chidambaram, B Manickam Tagore, Karti Chidambaram, Thol Thirumavalavan and Durai Vaiko, along with 16 other MPs from Tamil Nadu. The MPs said their request was “not as a complaint, but as a respectful request” to preserve the state’s long-standing tradition and prevent avoidable controversy.
The MPs also sought an assurance that no disrespect was intended towards the Tamil anthem or Manonmaniam Sundaranar. Raj Bhavan is yet to respond to the representation. The issue has surfaced amid repeated instances where ‘Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu’ was placed third in the ceremonial order at official events, including the recent cabinet swearing-in ceremony, drawing criticism from political parties and Tamil groups over the protocol being followed. Ends
The BriefWire