The Madras link

If one goes back in history, there is ample evidence of almost every aspect of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams having a link to the then Madras State. From the making of gold and gemsets, silver articles, gold and silver vahanams (mounts), the Ther (car), and purchase of cereals and pulses, to even the printing and publishing of the TTD’s journal (Sabdhagiri), there is a distinct Madras link.

When the TTD cottage scheme was implemented, a number of them were donated by the Madras State. The old ghat road to Tirumala was made possible using men and machinery from the Madras State. The TTD Act was enacted in the Madras Legislative Assembly.

Famous industrialists, educationalists, legal luminaries and stalwarts from all walks of life from Tamil Nadu have been TTD board members.

In the Sangam literature of Tamil, the boundary of Tamil Nadu was known as “Vadavengadam Thenkumari Ayidai Tamizhkoorum Nallulagam…”, meaning the schedule of Tamil Nadu in the north is up to Thirumala and the south is up to Kanyakumari.

Even M.S. Subbulakshmi’s “Sri Venkateswara” suprapadham had a Tamil link; MS was born in Tamil Nadu. Keeping all this in mind, one hopes that the government of Andhra Pradesh, without hesitation, includes a nominee from Tamil Nadu in the TTD Board (Some editions, “No member from State on TTD board this time”, April 23).

E.P. Parthasarathy,

Chennai