Tamil Nadu plans ‘weekly ethnic wear day’ for govt employees

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt is planning to introduce a weekly ethnic wear day for govt employees across the state.Making the announcement at Tamil Nadu Day celebrations in Chennai on Sunday, Tamil development minister A Rajmohan said the move would support weavers while promoting traditional attire. Rajmohan, however, has not specified when the initiative would be introduced.“I told the chief minister that it looked like a festival on the day he wore a silk dhoti and shirt. So I suggested why not ask govt officers and staff also to wear dhoti and shirt every week for a day. The CM asked whether I had consulted with officers. When I told him they had asked me to discuss with him, CM gave the go-ahead,” Rajmohan said.The dress code would apply to his cabinet colleagues as well, Rajmohan said at the event where ministers N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna were present. Rajmohan also announced plans to set up a Tamil Sangam at the Secretariat to promote Tamil art and literature. “We will set up a Tamil Sangam and bring all other aangams under its fold. The CM will head the sangam,” he said. Efforts would also be made to organise a World Tamil Conference soon, he added.Speaking at the event, Aadhav Arjuna said Tamil Nadu should have a separate state flag, which the CM could hoist on important occasions.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended greetings on Tamil Nadu Day.Modi posted on X, “The hardworking and enterprising people of Tamil Nadu have made outstanding contributions to India’s progress. Tamil culture has enriched our nation’s civilisational journey in innumerable ways.” Rahul Gandhi greeted people in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other states formed through linguistic reorganisation.Vijay said the sacrifices of those who fought to protect Tamil and unite Tamil-speaking regions would remain a guiding light for the people.DMK, however, accused TVK govt of distorting history by observing Nov 1 as Tamil Nadu Day instead of July 18.While Nov 1 marks the formation of Tamil Nadu during the linguistic reorganisation of states in 1956, July 18 marks the date in 1967 when the state was officially renamed Tamil Nadu. “Nov 1 should be celebrated not as Tamil Nadu Day but as Martyrs’ Day, in memory of those who fought to unite Tamil-speaking regions. It was on July 18 that Tamil Nadu acquired its distinct political identity,” DMK said in a statement.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in ChennaiStay updated with the latest Chennai news. Download the TOI App.