After assuming the charge as chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for a record third time, Kanumuri Bapiraju looks forward to serving lakhs of devotees visiting Tirumala with more commitment and enthusiasm.
Express caught up with Bapiraju for a quick interview. Excerpts:
Congratulations for retaining the post and making it for the third time. As there will be more expectations on you, what are your priorities for the next two-year tenure?
I have no other priorities but serving the pilgrims in a better way. I would interact with them directly in every possible way and try to address their complaints to facilitate a hassle-free darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. My aim is to ensure that each devotee leaves Tirumala with satisfaction.
Are you satisfied with the work done during your previous term?
During the 365 days in office, I visited the Annadhana Satram and Vaikuntam Queue Complex 68 times each to get firsthand information from devotees on their problems and addressed most of them. God gave me another opportunity to serve the devotees.
What are the other major projects you will take up in the next two years?
The construction of temples in Kanyakumari and Kurukhsetra will be completed in the next one year. The Kanyakumari temple is almost a replica of the Tirumala temple and will have a Ghosala, Vedapathashala, staff quarters and a pilgrim amenities.
What are your plans for the welfare of TTD employees?
We have a challenge for providing house sites for all TTD employees. Since we are not able find a place nearby the pilgrim town, we are trying to find a suitable site at some distance. Irrespective of their positions, all the employees will be given houses in the next two years.