IIT-Madras can play state song with national anthem and ‘Vande Mataram’, says Centre – Times of India

CHENNAI: The central government feels Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) may play “Tamil Thai Vaazhthu” with “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem in its official programmes and functions. Education ministry sources said a communication will be sent to IIT-M soon.
Tamil Nadu in December declared “Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu” the state anthem and directed that all present during its rendition should remain standing. In November, higher education minister K Ponmudi wrote to IIT-M, taking exception to the song not being played during the convocation.
Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, penned by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai and composed by M S Viswanathan, it is in praise of Mother Tamil.
In a letter to then director Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Ponmudi said: “It is disheartening to learn that in the recently concluded convocation (November 20, 2021), ‘Tamil Thai Vaazhthu’ was not sung.” This is a deviation from “well-established protocol, he said, asking IIT-M to ensure it was sung at all functions.
“The ministry of education is of the opinion that IIT may play the song in addition to Vande Mataram and the National Anthem in its official events. The IIT is an autonomous institution. However, the ministry will issue a communication to IIT stating the government’s view on the matter which is that all Indian language and culture are to be promoted in our institutions,” said a senior official.
The TN government on December 17, 2021 declared “Tamil Thai Vaazhthu” the state anthem, stating that it would be sung at all public events in educational institutes and government offices.