Tirumala to be developed as global model of spirituality: AP CM Naidu
Tirumala, Sept 16 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said Tirumala would be developed as a global model of spirituality, with focus on improving the pilgrim experience while integrating spirituality, environmental conservation, service and modern technology.
He inaugurated the Pilgrims’ Experience Centre at Vaikuntam Queue Complex-I and the modernised SV Museum, and flagging off 32 electric buses provided by Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech for pilgrims.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Tirumala has 89.5 per cent green cover and stressed the need to protect the environment while undertaking development works at the hill shrine.
The Pilgrims’ Experience Centre enables devotees to virtually experience the daily rituals and pujas performed for Lord Venkateswara and view various locations in Tirumala through 3D technology.
Naidu experienced the virtual darshan facility using six DVR-based virtual reality systems.
He also reopened the renovated SV Museum, redesigned by the TTD to showcase the history of Tirumala, mythological narratives, the glory of Lord Venkateswara and the divine wedding of the deity.
The museum was developed by the TCS Trust at a cost of Rs 104 crore and displays replicas of ornaments offered to Lord Venkateswara by various rulers, including Sri Krishnadevaraya, historical artefacts and 3D models of crowns and ornaments.
The Chief Minister also viewed an AI-generated video presentation on the divine wedding of Lord Venkateswara on a panoramic screen and inspected musical instruments used by musicians of earlier periods in the service of the deity.
Later, Naidu flagged off 32 electric buses for pilgrims. Accompanied by Reliance E-Mobility CEO Nitin Seth, Bharat Biotech Managing Director Suchitra Ella, Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, TTD Chairman B R Naidu and TTD members, he travelled in an electric bus from Narayana Giri Circle to the SV Museum.
Naidu said TTD had decided to provide insurance coverage to every pilgrim visiting Tirumala. An Aadhaar-based online insurance facility would be implemented in association with LIC, under which Rs 2 lakh financial assistance would be provided in the event of a pilgrim’s death in Tirumala.
He said the government was planning to construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across Andhra Pradesh through the Srivani Trust.
Requests had also been received for construction of Sri Venkateswara temples in Mauritius and New Zealand and the proposals were being examined.
An action plan was also being prepared to utilise the services of Srivari Sevaks in the education and healthcare sectors, the Chief Minister added.
TNT KS
