TTD proposes renaming Renigunta Airport after Lord Venkateswara

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board Proposes Renaming Renigunta Airport After Lord Venkateswara (File Image)

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has officially proposed renaming Renigunta Airport as Sri Venkateswara International Airport. At a press conference held on June 17, TTD Chairman B R Naidu confirmed that a formal recommendation has been sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He added that the airport will be redesigned to reflect the spiritual and devotional atmosphere of Tirumala, offering pilgrims a sacred ambience as soon as they arrive.

Plans for New Temple in Bengaluru

Expanding its spiritual footprint, TTD announced its intent to construct a Srivari temple in Bengaluru. The project is awaiting land allotment from the Karnataka government. This move aligns with TTD’s broader efforts to make temple access more widespread for devotees across India.

Green Mobility Boost with 100 Electric Buses

In a move towards sustainable transportation, Union Minister for Heavy Industries Kumara Swamy has agreed to supply 100 electric buses to TTD. These vehicles, expected to be brought to Tirumala soon, aim to enhance green mobility for pilgrims in the hill shrine zone and reduce the region’s environmental impact.

CSIR Lab to Improve Quality Control of Offerings

TTD is also focusing on quality control in temple offerings. Naidu revealed that the temple trust plans to lease space in Tirupati for setting up a CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratory. The lab will test key items like ghee, water, and food products used in rituals to ensure their purity and adherence to religious standards.

Modernisation of Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi

On the education front, TTD announced the modernisation of the 73-year-old Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi. A three-member committee, led by Naidu himself, has been formed to resolve the issues faced by over 200 contract lecturers. New staff recruitment will proceed once these concerns are addressed.

Major Dharmic Outreach Initiatives Announced

TTD’s Dharmic (religious) wing is rolling out a series of new social and religious programmes. These include priesthood training for individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, Sadgamaya—a values-based initiative for students, and Saubhagyam, a programme designed to engage women in the observance of Varalakshmi Vratam.

Other upcoming efforts include Akshara Govindam, a devotional learning initiative for children; Harikatha Vaibhavam to revive the traditional storytelling art form; Sanmargam, a spiritual support programme for prison inmates; Giri Janardhanam, focused on tribal regions; and Vana-Nidhi, an initiative that blends ecological awareness with spiritual teachings.

TTD’s Vision for Holistic Development

These announcements underscore TTD’s evolving role as not just a religious body but a promoter of social, environmental, and educational well-being. Naidu stated that these new projects reflect TTD’s renewed mission to serve both the spiritual and practical needs of communities across the country.

(With inputs from PTI)