Tirupati Airport renaming: In a significant move aimed at enhancing the spiritual identity of Tirupati, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has proposed renaming the Tirupati Airport as ‘Sri Venkateswara International Airport’. The decision was made during a high-level board meeting at Annamayya Bhavan, Tirumala, chaired by B R Naidu.
The Board plans to submit a formal request to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Along with the renaming, TTD also recommends revamping the airport’s design and infrastructure to reflect the spiritual essence and divine architecture of Tirumala, creating a holistic experience for arriving pilgrims.
CSIR Laboratory to Ensure Quality of Temple Offerings
Another milestone initiative approved by the Board is the allocation of land on a lease basis for establishing a CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratory in Tirupati. This lab will be backed by the Central Government and will play a critical role in ensuring the purity and quality of offerings used in daily temple rituals.
Materials like ghee, water, and food products used in religious ceremonies will undergo free quality testing, ensuring the highest standards of sanctity and safety. This step reinforces TTD’s commitment to devotional integrity and transparency.
TTD Calls for Temporary Halt in Lecturer Recruitment
In a move to address employment concerns, the TTD Board has recommended that the APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission) pause the ongoing recruitment of lecturers in TTD-run educational institutions.
This decision aims to resolve the long-standing demands of nearly 200 contract lecturers currently serving in various roles. A three-member committee has been formed, following a directive from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, to provide a permanent solution to these lecturers’ employment status and service conditions.
TTD College in New Delhi to Undergo Major Upgradation
Continuing its efforts in the field of education, the TTD Trust Board has announced plans to modernize and upgrade the TTD college in New Delhi. The college, which has served as a beacon of spiritual and academic learning, will soon receive infrastructural enhancements and academic support to raise its standards on par with premier institutions in the country.
New Sri Venkateswara Temple to Be Built in Bengaluru
One of the most notable decisions made by the Board is the proposal to construct a Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bengaluru. The plan comes after fruitful discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The Karnataka Government has been requested to allocate 47 acres of prime land for this temple project. Once the land is sanctioned, construction will commence, establishing a major spiritual and cultural landmark in Bengaluru, aimed at serving the growing devotee population in Karnataka.
TTD to Receive 100 Electric Buses for Tirumala Pilgrims
In a boost to eco-friendly initiatives, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy, has agreed to supply 100 electric buses to TTD through central government support. These buses will be deployed across Tirumala to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation for millions of pilgrims.
This step aligns with TTD’s ongoing commitment to green mobility solutions, aiming to preserve the fragile hill ecosystem of Tirumala while offering safe and clean transport options.
TTD Expands Spiritual Training and Cultural Outreach
TTD is also expanding its spiritual and cultural training initiatives in collaboration with the Samarasata Seva Foundation. The foundation will assist in training priests, and offering comprehensive instruction in rituals, Vedic knowledge, and traditional worship practices.
A brand-new programme titled ‘Mana Varasatvam’ (Our Heritage) will soon be launched. This initiative will be introduced in educational institutions to instill spiritual values, Hindu traditions, and Telugu cultural richness in the younger generation.
Special Varalakshmi Vratam Celebrations at Tiruchanoor
To honor the auspicious occasion of Varalakshmi Vratam, TTD will organize ‘Sowbhagyam’ celebrations at the Tiruchanoor Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. These events will focus on divine blessings for prosperity and well-being, inviting widespread participation from devotees.
This event is part of TTD’s broader plan to revitalize religious festivals and enhance the spiritual experiences of pilgrims and local devotees alike.
TTD’s Holistic Vision for Spiritual and Cultural Growth
The TTD Trust Board meeting was attended by key dignitaries including Executive Officer J Syamala Rao, Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and board members Jyothula Nehru, Panabaka Lakshmi, Thammishetti Janaki Devi, among others. Each decision taken underscores TTD’s mission to promote spirituality, improve infrastructure, and preserve India’s sacred traditions.
From renaming Tirupati Airport to launching eco-friendly transport, building new temples, and enhancing cultural education, the Trust is setting a model for progressive yet deeply rooted religious governance.
Conclusion
The latest decisions by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board signal a dynamic future for Tirupati and its surrounding regions. Blending spiritual depth with modern functionality, the initiatives not only honor the traditions of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees but also cater to the evolving needs of pilgrims and the community.
As TTD moves forward with these transformative projects, the spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh is poised to become an even greater beacon of faith, culture, and sustainability.