In Hyderabad, amidst controversy surrounding alleged adulteration of the iconic Tirupati laddu, skilled artisans at the foot of Tirumala's hills are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their exquisite Madhavamala wood carvings. For over a century, these artisans have been intricately crafting lifelike idols of deities like Lord Balaji, Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, doors and windows adorned with floral carvings, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families engaged in this traditional craft, is set to submit the GI application later this month with NABARD's support. This will mark the 20th GI filing from Andhra Pradesh, spearheaded by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha in collaboration with NABARD and the dedicated artisans.