Tag Archives: Andhra Pradesh

ITCX 2025: Transforming global temple management

 

Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX), recently met with N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Shri Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, the Minister of Endowments, Andhra Pradesh, to discuss the much-awaited ITCX 2025. Scheduled to be held in Tirupati, this global platform will convene temple leaders, trustees, and CEOs to explore key aspects of effective temple management, including temple economics, strategic operations, and sustainability.

During the meeting,  Chandrababu Naidu acknowledged the significance of ITCX and extended his guidance and support to the event.  Giresh Kulkarni also formally invited  Anam Ramanarayana Reddy to ensure active involvement from the Endowments Ministry, solidifying the state’s commitment to making the event a success.

The ITCX 2025 aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s tourism initiatives and has the backing of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), renowned as the wealthiest temple in terms of donations and visits. This collaboration underscores the state’s vision to promote temple management innovation on a global scale.

With the support of Andhra Pradesh’s leadership, ITCX 2025 is set to become a landmark event, establishing a transformative benchmark for the global temple management ecosystem.

Nepal signs MoU with Andhra Pradesh Tourism

 

The Embassy of Nepal, led by Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Surendra Thapa, alongside Taranath Adhikari, Minister, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Representing Andhra Pradesh were Nukasani Balaji, Chairman of APTDC, and K. Vijay Mohan, President of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum and the Tours and Travels Association. This agreement marks the first MoU signed by the Nepal government with any Indian state.

The MoU aims to strengthen tourism ties between Nepal and Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on promoting and developing tourism, fostering cooperation, and sharing resources, expertise, and knowledge.

Vijay Mohan, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the vision of this partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance tourism, facilitate cultural exchanges, and drive mutual growth.

This agreement is a significant step in the relationship between Nepal and Andhra Pradesh, paving the way for collaboration in travel, tourism, and hospitality while leveraging the rich cultural and natural heritage of both regions.

EaseMyTrip Expands Retail Presence, Launches New Franchise Store in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh

EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s leading online travel tech platforms, announced the launch of its newest franchise store in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. This is the company’s 23rd franchise store. This strategic expansion continues the company’s successful franchise program, bringing comprehensive travel services closer to customers in the culturally rich Tirupati region.

The new EaseMyTrip franchise store, located at Door Number-5/138, MG Street, Gangamma temple, Srikalahasti, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517644, offers a complete range of travel solutions. Customers can access domestic and international flight bookings, premium hotel accommodations, customized holiday packages, and seamless bus and railway reservations. The store also provides specialized services including luxury cruise bookings and end-to-end visa assistance.

Speaking on this, Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “Our Srikalahasti store represents another significant milestone in our retail expansion strategy. The Tirupati region, known for its spiritual tourism and growing economic potential, is a key market for EaseMyTrip. This new franchise underscores our commitment to providing personalized travel solutions across India.”
The Srikalahasti store is part of EaseMyTrip’s ambitious franchise program, which aims to establish 100 retail stores by FY25.

 

Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam highlights Andhra Pradesh’s rich heritage

 

The Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Festival 2024 commenced with vibrant Prequel Events on December 1 across Andhra Pradesh, celebrating the state’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Andhra Pradesh government, these events set the stage for the main festival in Vijayawada from December 6 to 8, promising an immersive cultural experience.

In Srikakulam, the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli hosted a soulful concert by Manda Sudharani and her group, enthralling over 300 attendees. Rajamahendravaram’s Anam Kalakendram came alive with the mesmerising melodies of Thulasi Viswanath and her group, drawing a crowd of 750 people and reflecting the city’s artistic legacy. Mangalagiri’s Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple showcased devotional Narasimha Swamy Krithis by Malladi Narayana Sarma and team, creating an intimate yet profound musical experience.

Ahobilam’s Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple witnessed a spellbinding performance by Kumari Deepika Varadarajan and her group, attended by 250 people in a historic and sacred setting. Meanwhile, in Tirupati, the Indira Priyadarshini Auditorium at Sri Padmavathi Mahila Vishwa Vidyalayam resonated with enchanting renditions by Vidwan Garimella Balakrishna Prasad and Vidushi Bullemma, attracting over 1,000 students and music lovers, celebrating the legacy of Annamacharya Kritis.

These events underline the Ministry of Tourism’s innovative promotion of Music Tourism, blending cultural heritage with tourism to engage the youth and celebrate India’s classical music traditions. The main festival in Vijayawada will feature soulful performances, regional cuisine, handicrafts, and handlooms at venues like Tummalapalli Kalakshetram Auditorium, Durga Ghat, and Kanaka Durga Temple, offering a holistic cultural experience from December 6 to 8, 2024.

TTD requests land for spiritual facility

 

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has formally requested the Andhra Pradesh government to revoke the land allotment for a private hotel project, citing concerns over its potential impact on Hindu sentiments. During its recent meeting, the TTD Board, led by Chairman B.R. Naidu, passed a resolution proposing the development of a spiritual facility named ‘Devalokam’ on the 20-acre land at Alipiri instead.

The land, initially allocated to the Tourism Department, was subsequently handed over to a private entity for the construction of a ‘Mumtaz Hotel.’ This move has sparked opposition from various groups, who argue that establishing a commercial hotel would compromise the sanctity of the pilgrimage destination. The TTD has emphasised that such developments are misaligned with Tirumala’s spiritual significance.

“We have requested the Andhra Pradesh government to reassign the land to TTD for building the ‘Devalokam’ spiritual center. We are now awaiting their decision,” Naidu said. He further questioned the promotion of tourism in Tirumala, highlighting its primary purpose as a spiritual hub. He also expressed concerns over the increasing number of pilgrims struggling to secure darshan due to overcrowding.

Naidu additionally criticised the Tourism Department for allegedly profiting from high-priced ticket sales and noted that the state government has initiated a vigilance inquiry into alleged irregularities involving the TTD during the previous YSRCP regime. He stressed the need for preserving Tirumala’s sanctity while ensuring better facilities for pilgrims.

Students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Dominate US Student Visa Numbers in 2023

In 2023, students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana accounted for a staggering 56% of all Indian student visas issued by the United States, according to data from the US Consulate General. This milestone underscores the growing influence of these two southern states in India’s global education footprint.

Known for their robust educational infrastructure, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have emerged as leading contributors to the international academic arena. The states host some of the country’s premier coaching institutes, which rigorously prepare students for global standardized tests like the GRE and TOEFL, ensuring they excel in the competitive admissions process.

The US continues to be the destination of choice for students from these states, drawn by world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and promising post-graduation job prospects. Many students focus on pursuing master’s degrees in STEM disciplines such as computer science, data science, and engineering.

Cultural factors also play a significant role. Families in these states emphasize higher education abroad as a strategic investment in economic and social mobility. Moreover, the significant Non-Resident Indian (NRI) communities from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the US act as a support network, encouraging more students to follow this path.

The dominance of these states in US student visa statistics highlights a unique interplay of ambition, preparation, and opportunity, positioning Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as educational powerhouses in India’s international academic landscape.