TTD OBSERVES 68th R - DAY FETE WITH PATRIOTIC FERVOUR

Tirupati, 26 January 2017: The 68th Republic Day fete has been observed with patriotic fervour by the temple management of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) in Tirupati on Thursday.

The big national fete was observed in the Parade Grounds behind TTD administrative building with TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao delivering his R-Day message to the strong work force of TTD. The EO thanked the pilgrims, employees, religious staffs, vigilance, media, volunteers for their support to TTD. Some excerpts of the speech:

@ With the inspiration provided by our great leaders we should serve the pilgrims with our best possible abilities.

@ The temple Pujas, festivals and rituals are being observed as per the prescribed norms of Vaikhanasa Agama without any deviation.

@ Committed to render services to pilgrims with transparency making use of technology.

@ In 2016 about 2.66 crore pilgrims had darshan of Lord Venkateswara out of which 67.66lakhs are pedestrian pilgrims and 71 lakhs are Rs.300 special entry darshan pilgrims.

@ In 2016 about 10.34crore laddus were distributed to devotees.

@ So far about 85.36 Lakh pilgrims from 120 countries had darshan of Lord in Rs.300 darshan.

@ Last year Hundi collections stood at Rs.1057crores.

@ On January 1, 2017 over one Lakh pilgrims had darshan.

@ The 16 temporary sheds constructed in Narayanagiri gardens in Tirumala helped the pilgrims a lot during Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Dwadasi this year.

@ Bhajans were arranged by Dasa, Satya Sai and ISKCON during these two days.

@ Srivari Suprabhata sevas in AIR Tirupati FM from 3am to 6am every day.

@ Seeting up of the Swiping Machines in Tirumala and Tirupati helped the pilgrims a lot aftermath demonetisation effect.

@ Tirunama Dharana in Rs.300 and Divya Darshan Complexes.

@ Sarva Darshan Complex soon on the lines of Rs.300 and Divya Darshan complexes.

@ Enhanced IT services in accommodation and darshan booking with the help of TCS and HCL

@ Mobile app soon for booking rooms and darshan soon to enhance transparency.

@ Tirumala occupies pride place among top ten ideal places in Swacch Bharat Mission programme of central government.

@  Free annaprasadam distribution to 30 to 60 thousand pilgrims a day.

@ Annamaiah sankeertans goes global with TTD displaying 14000 sankeertans and 3800 publications on its official web site for the sake of global pilgrims. So far eleven Lakh netizens browsed the site for the songs.

@ Focus on Gosamrakshana and protection and promotion of Desi cows.

@ Undertaken Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Utsavams in a big way.

@ Annamaiah Pataku Pattabhishekam CDs@Rs.30 each in all TTD stalls.

@ Special attention towards development of local temples.

@ State of Art new OPD block opened in BIRRD to provide better ortho Medicare to the poor and needy.

@ Over seven Lakh volunteers took part in Srivari Seva in the past 16 years and rendered impeccable services to fellow pilgrims.

@ To improve their services, the Satya Sai organisation is offering training to Srivari sevakulu.

@ Sandalwood plantation in 100 hectares.

Tirupati JEO Sri Pola Bhasakar, DLO Sri Venkataramana, Chief Engineer Sri Chandrasekar Reddy, Addl FACAO Sri O Balaji, Addl CVSO Sri Sivakumar Reddy, GM Sri Sesha Reddy and others were present.