PEDESTRIAN PILGRIM COMPLEX BEFORE BRAHMOTSAVAMS-TTD EO

SVBC TOPS BARC RATINGS AMONG SPIRITUAL CHANNELS

For the convenience of the pilgrims who prefer to reach Tirumala through twin footpath routes, TTD is mulling to construct a new footpath complex to accommodate pedestrian pilgrims before Srivari Brahmotsavams this year on the lines of Rs.300 complex, said TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao.

Before attending the calls of pilgrims, during the monthly “Dial Your EO” programme at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday, the EO said, the new complex is serving Rs.300 pilgrims in the best possible way. “Recently we have added six more waiting compartments for footpath pilgrims, taking the total to 22 compartments. However with an aim to enhance the comfort of the pedestrian pilgrims, we are contemplating a similar massive waiting complex to pedestrian pilgrims before srivari brahmotsavams this year”, he reiterated.

PILGRIMS GIVE THUMBS UP TO SVBC

Pilgrim callers Smt Padmaja from Bengaluru, Sri Rajendra Prasad from Hyderabad, Sri Madhusudhan Reddy from Sri Kala Hasti complimented TTD for the spiritual programme coverage in Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel. However they suggested to enhance the quality of programme to reach wide range of public. TTD EO also expressed his pleasure for the new ratings by BARC.

GOVINDA NAMAS SHOULD REVERBERATE IN HOLY CITY

A pilgrim caller Sri Devarajulu Reddy from Tirupati suggested EO to see that the Govinda Namas reverberate in Public Address System from Tiruchanoor to Alipiri every day, for which the EO replied to verify the possibility.

NO SAFFRON IN LADDU

Another pilgrim caller Sri Venkateswarulu from Eluru informed EO that earlier Saffron used to be in laddu prasadam while today only sugar candy is seen, for which the EO said, at present on a day TTD is preparing six lakh laddus and the dittam(ingredients) is set as per the quantity. “However we will try to enhance the quality of laddus”, he added.

WESTERN COMMODES IN WAITING COMPARTMENTS

A pilgrim caller Sri Nimbadri from Mumbai, working as Joint Secretary in Maharastra government suggested TTD EO to provide western commodes in the general darshan waiting compartments and allow self food services. Replying the caller, the EO said, western toilets will be set up near each compartment for the sake of aged pilgrims and told to enhance free annaprasadam services.

RUN FREE BUSES

Requesting the EO to operate more free buses in Tirumala, a pilgrim caller Sri Gangi Reddy informed him that the private cab drivers are charging abnormal rates from the pilgrims. Reacting to this query the EO said, we are now operating 14 free buses at every five minutes interval. We will initiate measures to keep a vigil on abnormal rates being charged by the private taxis in Tirumala by sending our vigilance team.

NO CHINESE FOOD IN TIRUMALA

A pilgrim caller Smt Neeraja from Chennai sought EO to see that the fast food centers in Tirumala should not sell the noodles and other unhygienic food items in Tirumala as it is contaminating the serene atmosphere in Tirumala, she alleged. “Answering her the EO said, TTD has wide spread its free food service. The pilgrims can have sufficient food from our Annaprasadam complex. For a pilgrim who visits Tirumala everything is free including water, food, transport etc. Whenever we are giving further renewal to the fast food centers we will give clear instructions to them”, he maintained.

ANNAMAIAH PATAKU PATTABHISHEKAM IS EXCELLENT

Sri Subramanyam from Chennai, complimented TTD for its unique “Annamaiah Pataku Pattabhishekam” programme. He also suggested EO to look into the possibility of changing the name of the programme title as Annamaiah has penned 32000 Sankeertanas. The EO said, the programme has been designed for 52 weeks with 300 sankeertans by TTD board member and SVBC Director Dr K Raghavendra Rao. We will look into the suggestion”, he replied.

TAKE QUALIFIED SEVAKULU FOR SRIVARI SEVA

A pilgrim caller Smt. Jayalakshmi from Sri Rangam of Tamilnadu suggested EO to take the services of qualified people for Srivari Seva to which EO replied the services of educated volunteers is being taken in Parakamani and Laddu Prasada sevas. “For general sevakulu also we are now imparting training with Satya Sai Seva Organisation in meditation, discipline and behavioural attitude with pilgrims”, he added.

RECORD SEVAS IN GARBHALAYAM

Sri Sai Prasad, a pilgrim from Chennai, urged TTD EO to record the sevas inside temple, as it was recorded in 1970s and market them for the sake of the pilgrims. Answering the query the EO said, they will look into the possibility of recording it and will put it on website.

INFORM US WHICH ON WHICH HILL WE TREKKED

A pilgrim caller Sri Brihaspathi from Khammam asked an interesting query to TTD EO to inform the pedestrian pilgrims on which of the seven peaks the pilgrim has trekked on footpath routes. Responding positively to the query the EO said, it is indeed an innovative idea and we will definitely give the information.

Tirupati JEO Sri Pola Bhaskar, Spl Officer Sri Muktheswara Rao and senior officers of TTD were present.

ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER TTDs, TIRUPATI