Tiruptai board proposes renaming Renigunta airport as ‘Sri Venkateswara International Airport’

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board of trustees has decided to propose renaming Renigunta airport as ‘Sri Venkateswara International Airport’. A formal proposal will be sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, according to TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu.

Name change proposal for airport

TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao informed the media that the move aims to give the airport a spiritual and iconic identity because of its proximity to the Tirumala shrine. “A proposal will be sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation,” Naidu said.

New temple to come up in Bengaluru

The board also approved the construction of a Lord Venkateswara temple in Bengaluru. The decision followed a request from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Sivakumar. Both leaders have agreed in principle to allocate 47 acres of land for the project.

Electric buses for pilgrims

As part of its eco-friendly initiatives, TTD will receive 100 electric buses from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. These buses, facilitated by H.D. Kumaraswamy, will be used for transporting pilgrims in Tirupati and Tirumala, depending on demand and feasibility.

CSIR lab to test prasadam materials

The board approved the leasing of about 30 acres of land for setting up a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Tirupati. The lab will test materials such as ghee, water, and food used in the preparation of prasadam, ensuring their quality and standards.

Focus on education and recruitment

TTD plans to modernise the TTD Degree College in New Delhi. It also recommended that the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) temporarily stop recruitments in TTD-run institutions. A three-member committee led by Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy will look into the issues raised by around 200 contract lecturers awaiting regularisation.

Programmes to promote spiritual values

The board announced two initiatives—‘Mana Varasatvam’ and ‘Sadgamaya’—to help students learn about Hindu traditions and Telugu culture. These programmes aim to instil values of Sanatana Dharma and support personality development among the youth.

Outreach and observances

TTD plans to expand its public outreach with programmes such as Akshara Govindam, Harikatha Vaibhavam, Bhagavad Gita Anushtana Bodhana, Bhaje Srinivasam, Vana-Nidhi, Giri Janardhanam, and Sanmargam. The board also resolved to observe World Yoga Day on June 21 at the parade grounds behind TTD’s administrative buildings in Tirupati.