TTD job is like Vaikuntha Paali, says new chief

TIRUMALA: Senior IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam assumed charge as the new executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the chief custodian of the famous hill shrine of Lord Venakteswara, in Srivari temple here on Saturday.An oath-taking ceremony was held at the Bangaruvakili of the temple at around 10:15 am and he was administered the oath of office and secrecy by deputy executive officer (general) TAP Narayana.Later, in the Ranganayakula Mandapam, outgoing executive officer IYR Krishna Rao handed over the charge to Subrahmanyam.Subrahmanyam said that he was blessed to be given the opportunity of serving at the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara. He said he was viewing his work not just as another job but as a holy service. Only serving the Lord and His devotees to the best of his knowledge was on his mind and nothing else, he said while advising the employees to work with service motto or leave the organisation if they did not have that motto.He said that he would strive hard and, if necessary, sacrifice himself for the sake of the sanctity of the temple. He advised Ikya Porata Vedika members, who met him, to ask themselves first what for they were agitating and, if they thought they were right, then approach the management with their grievances.Stating that serving pilgrims should be the only motto of TTD employees, the new EO said that he too would adhere to it. “Working in TTD is like playing Vaikuntha Paali (the game of ladders and snakes) where the one who is selfish can get swallowed,’’ he cautioned and asked employees to keep it in mind always and discharge their duties sincerely. Before arriving at Tirumala, Subrahmanayam had interacted with all former executive officers and sought the support of his immediate predecessor Krishna Rao.Talking with reporters after assuming office, he said he had come with a clear mind to do good and ensure progress of works taken up by the previous executive officers. “I am not here for introducing new schemes or have any game plan,’’ he clarified and hoped for a spotless service record here also.