TN Congress MPs urge Governor to restore 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu' custom

Tamil Nadu Congress MPs wrote to Governor R. V. Arlekar to restore the tradition of starting state events with 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu'. They cited a recent change at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University as causing disquiet and a slight to Tamil heritage.

Tamil Nadu Congress MPs have written to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, requesting him to restore the established convention of rendering Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu at the commencement of university and government functions in Tamil Nadu. Underlining that upholding this traditional practice respects regional heritage without diminishing national symbols, the lawmakers emphasised the core essence of their petition in the letter.

MPs Cite University Convocation Incident

The letter said, "We, the undersigned Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, write to you in a spirit of respect for the high constitutional office you hold, to place before you the concern that has been widely felt across the state following the sequence of songs at the 33rd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, on 28 July 2026." The parliamentarians urged the constitutional head to restore the long-standing tradition of beginning state events with the state song and concluding with the National Anthem.

"As you are aware, the Vice Chancellor of MSU informed the press ahead of the convocation that, on instructions from the Raj Bhavan, the ceremony would open with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, with 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu placed third," the letter said.

'Unintended slight' to Manonmaniam Sundaranar

The letter further read, "We write to share, with due respect, why this sequence has caused such disquiet in Tamil Nadu, and to impress that it be reconsidered for future occasions. Manonmaniam Sundaranar University carries the name of Thiru. Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, the scholar who composed 'Neeraarum Kadaludutha', the very song that Tamil Nadu has sung at the opening of its public functions for more than five decades, and which the state government formally recognised as its official state song in 2021."

The letter also stated that, "For that song to be placed third at a convocation held in his own name was felt by many in Tamil Nadu, ourselves included, as an unintended slight to a figure the state holds in great affection, and to a practice that generations of Tamils have grown up with in their schools and colleges. It is our duty as parliamentarians representing the Tamil people that we bring this matter to your notice."

MPs Highlight Past Precedent

Expressing openness to further dialogue to resolve the matter amicably, the signatories stated in their letter, "We would also respectfully draw your attention to the fact that your own address to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in June 2026 opened with 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu' followed by the National Anthem, a sequence that was welcomed across the state as a gracious restoration of convention after some years of dispute on this very question. "

Detailing the specific administrative step required to heal public sentiment and restore local goodwill, the signatories noted, "The change in sequence at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, coming so soon after, has therefore been read by many as a departure from that welcome gesture."

Practice Reflects 'Idea of India'

"Sir, this is a request made with candour, but also with the confidence that it will be received in the manner intended. Tamil Nadu's practice of singing 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu' first and the National Anthem last is not unique to this state. Karnataka's own universities follow a similar circular for the Kannada state anthem, as do several other states for their own state songs. Honouring this convention takes nothing away from the National Anthem or from Vande Mataram," they said in the letter.

"If anything, it reflects the very idea of India that your high office represents, a country strong enough in its unity to hold its many languages and loyalties together without needing to rank one above the other," the MPs said in the letter.

Call for Clear Guidance from Raj Bhavan

"We would therefore request you to kindly consider issuing clear and advance guidance from the Raj Bhavan to Tamil Nadu's universities, so that 'Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu' is rendered at the commencement of convocations and other functions, and the National Anthem at the conclusion, in keeping with the state's long standing practice, and that you consider a word of reassurance to the people of Tamil Nadu, at a suitable occasion, that no disrespect was meant to Tamizh Thai Vaazhthu' or to the memory of Manonmaniam Sundaranar, the letter said.

Reiterating their confidence that the Raj Bhavan would address the sentiment gracefully, the lawmakers highlighted in their correspondence, "A gesture we believe would be very warmly received and would go a long way in restoring the goodwill this episode has strained. We place this before you not as a complaint." (ANI)

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