What Happened on January 6, 2025?
National Anthem Row in Tamil Nadu Assembly: Culture, Protocol, or Politics?: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session took an unexpected turn when Governor R.N. Ravi walked out moments before giving his official address. His reason? The National Anthem wasn’t played before the speech. Instead, the state followed its usual tradition of beginning with Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the Tamil Nadu State anthem. The Governor’s departure triggered political uproar and debates on whether this was a breach of national respect or simply a protocol clash.
A Matter of Custom: Tamil Nadu’s Long-Standing Practice
The Tamil Nadu government defended its actions, stating that it has, since 1991, played Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the start and Jana Gana Mana at the end of Assembly addresses. This tradition, formalised during Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK rule, aims to celebrate both state pride and national unity. The practice is deeply rooted in Tamil cultural identity, and not playing the national anthem first was not meant as disrespect but as adherence to state protocol.
What Is Tamil Thai Vazhthu and Why Is It Important?
Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song that praises the Tamil language and motherland. Although sung with reverence at public functions, it is not officially a national symbol. In 2021, the Madras High Court ruled that standing during the song is a mark of respect, not a legal requirement. Its prominence in state events shows how regional pride and identity can coexist with national values—but also sometimes lead to friction.
National Anthem: Symbol or Legal Requirement?
The Indian Constitution, under Article 51A(a), places a fundamental duty on citizens to respect the national anthem, flag, and constitution. However, there is no clear rule in the Constitution or in Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines about when or where the anthem must be played in state assemblies. The MHA lists situations like military ceremonies, school events, and official functions, but does not mandate anthem use in legislative assemblies. This legal grey area leaves it up to state practices.
Wider Picture: Not Just About a Song
Governor Ravi’s exit reflects a deeper pattern in Centre-State relations, especially in non-BJP ruled states like Tamil Nadu. From bill approval delays to protocol disputes, such incidents are becoming more frequent. The 2025 walkout wasn’t the first; a similar event occurred in 2024, showing that the tension is more than ceremonial—it’s political. These symbolic moments often reveal the push and pull of federalism in India.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Topic | Fact |
| Incident Date | January 6, 2025 |
| Governor of Tamil Nadu | R.N. Ravi |
| Tamil Nadu State Anthem | Tamil Thai Vazhthu |
| National Anthem of India | Jana Gana Mana |
| Tamil Thai Vazhthu Status | Declared a “prayer song”; not a national symbol (Madras HC, 2021) |
| Article on National Symbols | Article 51A(a) – Fundamental Duty to respect the National Anthem |
| MHA Guidelines on Anthem | Lists formal events; silent on state assembly procedures |
| Parliament Protocol | National Anthem played during President’s address (beginning & end) |
| First Use of Tamil Thai Vazhthu | Made official protocol in TN Assembly under Jayalalithaa (1991) |
| Related Court Case | Madras HC 2019: No legal mandate to play anthem at every public function |
