In Hyderabad, amidst the controversy surrounding allegations of adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddu, artisans living near the base of Tirumala are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their intricately carved wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities. These skilled artisans have been creating lifelike idols, dolls, toys, doors, windows, mandapams, pillars, and furniture from Madhavamala wood for more than a century. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will submit the application for the GI tag, with NABARD facilitating the process. This will mark the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, according to GI practitioner Subhajit Saha, who is assisting the artisans in securing the tag alongside NABARD.