In Hyderabad, amidst concerns about the authenticity of the revered Tirupati laddu, craftsmen at the base of Tirumala are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their artistic wooden statues. For more than a century, these artisans have been skillfully creating lifelike idols of Lord Balaji and various deities using Madhavamala wood. These carvings are highly sought after for their detailed craftsmanship, depicting figures like Kalyana Balaji, royal dolls, children's toys, intricate house decor, religious structures, wooden furnishings, and more. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families engaged in creating these renowned wood carvings, will soon apply for a geographical indication tag with the assistance of NABARD. This will be the 20th such application from Andhra Pradesh, with GI practitioner Subhajit Saha and NABARD guiding the artisans in the process of securing the tag.