In Hyderabad, amidst controversies surrounding the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddu, skilled artisans residing near Tirumala are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag for their Madhavamala wood carvings. These artisans have been crafting intricate wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for more than a century. The Madhavamala wood carvings are well-known for their detailed lifelike idols, which include Kalyana Balaji, Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, floral carvings on doors and windows, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will be submitting the application for a GI tag with the assistance of NABARD. This will be the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh. Subhajit Saha, a GI practitioner, will be working with NABARD to help the artisans secure the GI tag.