Vice-President’s Visit to Andhra Pradesh; Inauguration of Pilgrim Amenities Centre

The Vice-President of India, Shri CP Radhakrishnan, conducted his first official visit to a state (Andhra Pradesh) in office on 24–25 September, engaging in religious and cultural events.

On 24 September, he visited Kanak Durga Temple and participated in “Vijayawada Utsav.” He later addressed aspects of women empowerment and cultural heritage.

On 25 September, at Tirumala, he offered his prayers at Lord Venkateswara and inaugurated a new Pilgrim Amenities Centre (PAC) named Venkatadri Nilayam in TTD premises, in presence of the AP Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

He also visited Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanoor before concluding his engagements.

Background & Analysis:

The role of the Vice-President is largely ceremonial, but such visits convey symbolic importance, especially when they involve temple visits and public infrastructure.

Tirumala is among the most visited pilgrim centers in India; improving amenities there aligns with the national push for religious tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure (e.g., through PRASAD scheme).

The PAC can ease congestion, improve the experience for devotees and potentially draw more visitors, with associated economic benefits to surrounding regions.

Implications / Way forward:

Enhancements in pilgrim infrastructure should be matched with sustainable services: sanitation, waste management, crowd control, accessibility, and security.

The symbiosis of religion, culture, tourism should be leveraged to stimulate local economies (hotels, crafts, transport) while preserving sanctity.

States with pilgrimage circuits should replicate such models responsibly, integrating heritage conservation and environmental safeguards.