In Hyderabad, amidst the controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu's alleged adulteration, skilled artisans living near the Tirumala hills are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their renowned Madhavamala wood carvings. These artisans have been creating intricately carved wooden statues of deities like Lord Balaji for more than a century. The art form includes lifelike idols, Raja and Rani dolls, children's toys, decorative house elements, pooja mandapams, wooden pillars, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, will soon submit the application for the GI tag with the assistance of NABARD. This would be the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, facilitated by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha and NABARD.