TTD Board Proposes Renaming Renigunta Airport In Andhra Pradesh

The TTD board plans to rename Renigunta Airport as 'Sri Venkateswara International Airport' and construct a Lord Venkateswara temple in Bengaluru.

TTD chairman BR Naidu.

Source : PTI

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board of Trustees has set the stage for several major initiatives aimed at enhancing spiritual outreach, infrastructure, and sustainability. At the top of the agenda was the proposal to rename Renigunta Airport as 'Sri Venkateswara International Airport', a move that reflects the airport's close proximity to the revered Tirumala temple and its growing spiritual significance, reported The Hindu.

Announcing the decision at a press conference, TTD Chairman BR Naidu and Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao emphasised the intent to give the facility a "distinctive spiritual and iconic identity". The proposal will soon be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval.

Temple Coming Up In Bengaluru

In another key development, the TTD board approved plans to construct a Lord Venkateswara temple in Bengaluru. This initiative follows a request from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who have in principle agreed to allocate 47 acres of land for the project. Once built, the temple is expected to become a major spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.

100 Electric Buses to Boost Eco-Friendly Travel

Reinforcing its commitment to green mobility, the TTD is gearing up to welcome 100 electric buses, allocated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries with the support of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. These buses will cater to the transportation needs of pilgrims in both Tirupati and Tirumala, depending on demand and operational feasibility.

New CSIR Lab to Ensure Quality of Prasadam

In a significant step toward quality assurance, the board also gave the green light to lease 30 acres of land in Tirupati for establishing a CSIR laboratory. The lab will be tasked with testing essential items like ghee, water, and food used in preparing prasadams at the hill shrine—ensuring the sanctity and safety of offerings consumed by millions of devotees.

Academic and Recruitment Overhaul

The TTD has decided to modernise its Degree College in New Delhi, aiming to upgrade facilities and academic standards. Additionally, the board recommended that the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) temporarily halt ongoing recruitments for TTD-run institutions.

This move comes amid concerns from around 200 contract lecturers who have served for decades without regularisation. A three-member committee, headed by Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy, has been formed to address the issue and propose a resolution, as directed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Programmes To Instil Spiritual And Cultural Values

In a bid to foster spiritual values and cultural awareness among youth, the TTD will launch 'Mana Varasatvam', a programme aimed at educating students on Hindu traditions and Telugu heritage. It will run alongside the 'Sadgamaya' programme, which focuses on personality development rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma.

Expanding Spiritual Outreach

To deepen its connection with the community, TTD is rolling out a suite of spiritual programmes including Akshara Govindam, Harikatha Vaibhavam, Bhagavad Gita Anushtana Bodhana, Bhaje Srinivasam, Vana-Nidhi, Giri Janardhanam, and Sanmargam. These are designed to reach a wider audience and revive traditional forms of devotional storytelling and practice.

Yoga Day Celebrations

In celebration of World Yoga Day on June 21, TTD will host a public yoga event at the parade grounds behind its administrative buildings in Tirupati. The initiative underlines the board's emphasis on holistic well-being through spiritual and physical practices.