Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on the Occasion of the Inaugration of Amrutotsavam at Tirupati

I deem it a privilege and an honor to participate in the Amruthotsavam of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which in the name of Lord Balaji, has been serving the humanity for the last 75 years.

Legend says that Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged on the Tirumala hills for the benefit of people in the Kaliyuga. History confirms that since the day Lord's existence here, came to light some eleven centuries ago, people have been coming here to worship Him. Thousands of devotees climb up the seven hills every day to the temple situated at a height of 2200 feet above the sea level. It is their devotion and faith that draws them here.

I am glad to note that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has in the last 75 years come a long way in providing basic amenities for pilgrims. Since my first visit to this temple some decades ago till this day, I notice there has been several additions to the facilities available to the pilgrims. I still remember the days when pilgrims used to rush in search of shelter when it rained as they climbed the hills on foot. Today, the entire footpath on the ghat is covered with shelter. I am informed that in the recent decades, improved accommodation and transport facilities have been provided and also arrangements for food and prasadams have been improved.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board, since it was formed ago, has done considerable work in the social field. I am told that many social initiatives in the field of education, medical treatment and rehabilitation of the physically challenged and the economically backward have been taken. Sri Venkateswara Poor Home, set up with the assistance of the Government of India, caters to the needs of leprosy patients. It is probably one of the largest in India and admits persons suffering from various forms of leprosy from all over India. During treatment, patients also undergo occupational therapy where they are trained in skills like carpentry, shoe-making and weaving. The training helps in the rehabilitation of patients in society. Sri Venkateswara Bala Mandir, an orphanage established in 1943, provides boarding and lodging to destitute girls and boys of all castes and creeds, during the course of their study. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has also been running schools for the deaf and dumb, a surgery and rehabilitation center for the disabled, hospitals and several academic institutions. I would encourage it to continue its service to the community.

Today, I inaugurated the Venkateswara Oriental College Building. I strongly feel that education is the most important tool for empowering the people of a country. In a fast emerging knowledge based society, I call upon the children and youth of our country to study and acquire as much knowledge as possible for an enlightened future for themselves and the country. Youth must inculcate a sense of discipline, an analytical mind and respect for fellow human beings. This will make them good citizens of the country, conscious of their rights as well as their civic duties and responsibilities. For this, the institutions we establish must be centres of excellence which alongwith imparting knowledge to students also inculcate in them good values.

Strong social and community action in the country to remove social evils like dowry, child marriage and female feoticide should be undertaken. It is also necessary to educate people on the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs and intoxicating materials on the body and how to keep away from these. It is common knowledge that addiction is spoiling our people, including the youth and also destroying family life. They should also be educated on civic duties and how to be good citizens. Institutions must contribute in the efforts to create progressive societies. I understand that under the Kalyanamastu program thousands of young couples, irrrespective of caste, are given help to get married at no cost as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams provides everything including Mangala Sutram, new clothes and meals during mass marriages. This is an important service rendered to the community.

The Bhakti Channel that was launched today will be an important medium for developing a devotional attitude and for inculcating human qualities of caring and compassion in all people. Our ancient scriptures have taught us tolerance and truth, extolled us to always perform our duty. When every human being practices Dharma, by dharma I meany duty, society will be free from a number of social evils.

I am told that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is promoting the use of eco-friendly forms of energy such as wind and solar energy. It has also undertaken some tree plantation activity and is making efforts to conserve rain water as well as ground water. Consciousness about the environment is extremely important to maintain harmony between man and nature. The world is faced with the challenge of climate change. Each individual can contribute by using the earth's resources prudently and cutting wastage. We have a responsibility to preserve the planet for the future generations.

Once again, I feel happy for having participated in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Amruthotsavam and the honour of unveiling the Pylon. I would encourage that efforts to render service to the pilgrims, devotees and the community must continue with dedication.

May Lord Balaji bless all of us.

Thank you.