The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday issued an order mandating the rendition of the State song ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ (Invocation to Mother Tamil), first before the commencement of programmes in all educational institutions, universities, government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions in the State. Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar issued the order following the unanimous adoption of a resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in the Assembly on August 10, mandating the rendition of ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ at the beginning of official events. This led to ‘Vande Mataram’ being rendered at the beginning of the convocation at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli, while ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ was sung third, triggering a controversy. also said that ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ should be rendered in accordance with all the guidelines issued in another G.O. in 2021, when it was declared the State song.