In Hyderabad, amidst controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu due to allegations of adulteration, skilled artisans near Tirumala are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their intricate wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities. For over a century, these artisans have been creating lifelike idols of gods and goddesses, as well as various wooden items like dolls, toys, doors, windows, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will be submitting the GI application with the assistance of NABARD. This will mark the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, with GI practitioner Subhajit Saha supporting the artisans in securing the tag.