TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) is all set to launch its Tamil channel soon.
Till now, the SVBC, the satellite channel dedicated to devotional programmes in Telugu, has decided to launch the Tamil channel to expand its coverage in Tamil Nadu. Thirty five per cent of the devotees visiting Tirumala are from Tamil Nadu.
Talking to ENS, TTD executive officer IYR Krishna Rao said preparations are in full swing for launching the SVBC Tamil channel in two months. The SVBC is already having facilities like teleport while two more DSGN vans will be added, he said adding that the new channel will enable the TTD to disseminate information to most of the devotees of Lord Venkateswara (about 65 to 70 per cent). “Our aim is to reach every village in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu'' he averred.
The TTD will hold a series of meetings with Multi Service Operators (MSOs) beginning this month so as to ensure that the SVBC services reached even remote areas, Rao said.
Plans are afoot for giving an altogether different outlook to the SVBC with stress on live programmes, making it an effective tool for the TTD for disseminating information related to the TTD, Dharma pracharam, cultural and social service programmes and also covering important events of historically significant temples.
As part of the revamp of the SVBC, which is underway, focus is on cost reduction, transparency and internal audit, Rao said and claimed that overall expenditure for the maintenance of SVBC, including operational and capital expenses which was about `20 crore in 2008 has come down to `15 crore in 2010-11, including `11.53 crore towards operational cost and capital expenses `3.82 crore.
