CHENNAI: Twenty-one MPs from Tamil Nadu have urged governor R V Arlekar to issue “clear and advance guidance” to Universities of Tamil Nadu that Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu be rendered at the beginning of university convocations and govt functions in the state, with the national anthem played at the conclusion, in keeping with the state’s long-standing practice.In a letter on Wednesday, the MPs expressed concern over the sequence of songs followed at the 33rd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli last week. University’s vice-chancellor had told the media before the ceremony that, on instructions from Lok Bhavan, the event would begin with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem while Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu would be placed third.“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,” the MPs said.The signatories include P Chidambaram, Manickam Tagore (Congress), Thol Thirumavalavan (VCK), K Subbarayan (CPI), S Venkatesan (CPM), Durai Vaiko (MDMK) and K Navaskani (IUML).The varsity carries the name of Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, the scholar who composed “Neeraarum Kadaludutha,” the song that the state has sung at the opening of its public functions for more than five decades. The state govt formally declared it the state song in 2021.“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 Sundaram Pillai and the state’s established practice, the MPs said.They recalled the governor’s customary address to the Tamil Nadu assembly in June, which began with Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu and was followed by the National Anthem. The state songs are rendered at the commencement of university events in Karnataka and other states.“Honouring this convention takes nothing away from the national anthem or from Vande Mataram,” the letter said, adding that India’s unity was strengthened by accommodating its different languages.The MPs also sought an assurance from the governor that no disrespect was intended towards the Tamil state song or the memory of Sundaram Pillai, saying such a gesture would help restore goodwill.
