- With this latest donation, TTD officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every pilgrim visiting Tirumala—regardless of background—receives comfortable, safe, and well-managed services
- The temple administration is expected to provide more details about the specific projects funded through the donation in the coming weeks
A significant act of generosity has once again strengthened the development efforts of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). U.S.-based philanthropist Mantena Ramalinga Raju has donated ₹9 crore towards the modernisation of accommodation complexes in Tirumala, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations. The donation was made in the name of his daughter Nethra Mantena and son-in-law Vamsi Gadiraju, continuing the family’s long-standing commitment to the temple’s welfare.
TTD Chairman B. R. Naidu honoured the donor during a media briefing held at Padmavathi Rest House. Speaking at the event, he expressed profound appreciation for Raju’s consistent support and devotion. Naidu also recalled the donor’s earlier substantial contribution of ₹16.06 crore in 2012, noting that such repeated donations reflect an unwavering bond with the sacred shrine and its development needs.
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According to officials, the funds will be channelled into upgrading key accommodation infrastructure, ensuring improved comfort and convenience for the millions of devotees who visit Tirumala every year
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With demand for lodging and amenities constantly rising, the TTD has prioritised modernisation projects to enhance crowd management, safety, and service quality
Naidu emphasised that Raju’s philanthropy aligns with TTD’s broader vision of creating a more efficient and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. He expressed hope that similar support from the global Telugu diaspora will help accelerate ongoing and future development initiatives.
The felicitation event was attended by Vizianagaram MP Kalisetty Appala Naidu, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, and several senior temple administration officials. Their presence underscored the significance of the contribution and the collaborative efforts behind TTD’s infrastructure expansion.
Raju’s contributions over the years highlight a strong sense of cultural connection shared by many NRIs, who continue to contribute to religious and social institutions in Andhra Pradesh. As TTD works towards upgrading accommodation, queue complexes, and related facilities, such private support plays a crucial role in reducing financial pressure on the trust and speeding up project execution.
