Pay For Food In Tirumala: TTD steps back!

To promote organic farming, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has introduced ‘Sampradaya Bhojanam’ (traditional meal) for devotees as a pilot project. This is a 14 dish meal and surprisingly, the TTD has decided to charge for this meal from devotees. Shocked by this sudden decision of TTD, the devotees expressed anger and also invited criticism from all corners.

With the issue getting big, the TTD has gone into defence and withdrawn its decision. TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy covered up this issue that this decision and initiative was taken up by a few officials in the absence of TTD governing body.

Subba Reddy also ordered for immediate cancellation of ‘Sampradaya Bhojanam’ and added that the ‘Nitya Annadaanam’ will continue as usual for all the devotees.

Speaking on the occasion, Subba Reddy said, “When the governing panel wasn’t available, a few officials decided upon ‘Sampradaya Bhojanam.’ Even though it had good intentions of promoting organic farming and cow based products, we have reminded our officials that anything that is offered on the seven hills on behalf of TTD, should be free of cost. So we have sent clear directives to the food department to immediately stop ‘Sampradaya Bhojanam’ for now.”

TTD chairman Subba Reddy was quick to respond to the issue and settled down the dust.