TTD’s Primary Mission Is Serving Devotees: B.R. Naidu
Rs 120-crore Annaprasadam kitchen, 37 electric buses and tech upgrades planned at Tirumala
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman B.R. Naidu said serving devotees visiting Tirumala from across the world was the organisation’s primary mission and protecting Sanatana Dharma remained its foremost commitment.
On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Naidu hoisted the National Flag and received the guard of honour at the TTD Parade Grounds in Tirupati on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu said TTD was working to spread the glory of Lord Venkateswara globally while giving priority to education, healthcare and religious services. He said efforts would continue to improve pilgrim services and uphold the principle that service to humanity was service to God.
He said a modern Annaprasadam kitchen was being planned at a cost of `120 crore with donor support. The SV Museum at Tirumala, developed at a cost of `145 crore, would soon showcase the services, festivals and jewellery of Lord Venkateswara through 3D and 7D presentations. Srivari temples were also being developed in several cities, while the Amaravati temple was being developed at a cost of `140 crore. He warned that TTD would take legal action against false propaganda that hurt devotees’ sentiments.
On the occasion, 38 officers and 281 employees, besides six employees each from SVIMS and SVBC, were honoured for outstanding service. They received five-gram Srivari silver dollars and appreciation certificates, while cash awards were given to 62 meritorious children of employees.
Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, who hoisted the National Flag at his camp office in Tirumala, said TTD was focusing on technology, transparency and systematic management to improve pilgrim services.
He said 37 additional electric buses would be introduced to reduce pollution and improve the frequency of free transport in Tirumala. The upgraded Integrated Command and Control Centre would provide real-time pilgrim data and help forecast crowd movement, he said.
Technology-based wildlife monitoring, improved luggage management, a State-level food laboratory, modern Annaprasadam storage facilities and Kalyanakatta modernisation were among the other ongoing measures. Digital procurement, the Nandakam employee-monitoring app and a consolidated administrative building were also being pursued.
Chowdary urged employees to accept feedback, learn from failures and continue serving devotees with dedication and human values.
