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Senior IAS officer Anil Kumar Singhal, a 1993-batch bureaucrat, formally assumed charge as Executive Officer (EO) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Wednesday, marking his second tenure in the prestigious role.
In a traditional ceremonial handover at the Ranganayakula Mandapam within the Tirumala temple, Singhal took over from the outgoing EO, J. Syamala Rao. Following the transition, Singhal was sworn in as the Ex-Officio Member Secretary of the TTD Board in the presence of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, with the oath administered by Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary.
After a darshan of the deity, Singhal received Vedaseervachanam and was honored with Theertha Prasadam, along with a laminated photo of Sri Venkateswara.
Speaking to the media outside the temple, the new EO expressed profound gratitude for the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, his parents, family, friends, and well-wishers. “It is a dream for every IAS officer to serve devotees as TTD EO. Assuming charge for the second time, my responsibilities have only grown,” he said, extending thanks to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the opportunity.
Singhal shared insights from his morning trek along the Alipiri Footpath, where he engaged with devotees. They commended the enhanced quality of the famous Laddu and Anna Prasadam over the past year, while also offering constructive suggestions for further improvements. “These inputs will be discussed with officials promptly. Development at TTD is an ongoing journey. As per the Chief Minister’s directives, we will explore initiatives to boost footfall at TTD temples across the country and optimize the contributions of local sevaks,” he added.
Reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to the shrine, Singhal noted his visits to Tirumala since 1994. “As an ordinary devotee, I’ve experienced the queues for darshan and taken part in Garuda Seva. I’ve witnessed pilgrim challenges firsthand. While significant reforms have been enacted, there’s always space for innovative steps forward.”
He also lauded the unwavering commitment of TTD’s workforce, especially in Tirumala. “The staff here works with zeal, even at odd hours, and their collaboration is key to seamless events. I appreciate their support during my previous three-and-a-half-year stint and eagerly anticipate their partnership ahead.”
The ceremony was attended by Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, Joint EO Veerabrahmam, and Chief Vigilance and Security Officer Muralikrishna.
Later, Singhal met TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu at his camp office, where the chairman extended congratulations on his return to the position.
Outgoing EO J. Syamala Rao expressed heartfelt thanks to officials, employees, sevaks, and devotees for their cooperation during his tenure, which featured key reforms, including probes into laddu ghee quality concerns.
