Chennai, July 26 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore has strongly criticised the reported protocol prescribed for the forthcoming convocation ceremony at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli, alleging that it undermines the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately withdraw the directive and issue a public apology to the people of Tamil Nadu.
The controversy centres on the university’s 33rd convocation, scheduled for July 28, where Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to confer degrees on graduating students.
According to Tagore, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, N. Chandrasekar, stated in a media interaction that the Governor’s office had issued a circular directing that the ceremony begin with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, and only then the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state’s invocation song.
Calling the development “deeply shocking”, Tagore said the Tamil Thai Vazhthu was written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar himself, after whom the university is named.
He argued that relegating the song to the third position at the institution bearing the scholar’s name amounted to an insult not only to the Tamil language and culture but also to the sentiments of the people of the state.
The TNCC chief alleged that the reported circular reflected an attempt by the Union government to diminish Tamil identity.
He claimed that the directive requiring Vande Mataram to be played first at events attended by Governors, followed by the National Anthem and the state song, was responsible for what he described as the “humiliation” of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
He insisted that Amit Shah revoke the order and apologise publicly.
Tagore further accused the BJP leadership of repeatedly disregarding Tamil language, culture and state rights.
While asserting that Tamil Nadu has always upheld India’s unity and played a significant role in the freedom struggle, he said the state has consistently placed equal importance on preserving its linguistic heritage and constitutional rights.
He also maintained that the tradition followed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly — where the ‘Tamil Thai Vazhthu’ is rendered at the beginning of official proceedings — should continue at the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University convocation and at all future state government functions.
Warning against repeated interference in issues linked to Tamil identity, Tagore said the people of Tamil Nadu would respond firmly to any attempt to undermine their cultural sentiments.
–IANS
aal/dpb