The Tirumala temple trust, or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple in Andhra Pradesh is in a fix over 42 non-Hindu employees (Christians) that it employs. The religious orientation of the employees was not much of an issue when they were employed, but the authorities have reacted to complaints put in by priests who say that the employees visit churches and use their official cars to do so.
The Vigilance Department took up a thorough investigation and reportedly conducted even a door-to-door inquiry to zero in on their faith and praying pattern. In the past, a person’s faith did not matter when it came to selecting him/her for employment in the TTD, but instances of proselytisation such as drawing ‘cross’ marks on the hills and distribution of pamphlets containing prohibitive content in the vicinity of Tirumala created an uproar a decade ago. The State government had then banned evangelical activities near temples.
Though the issue was discussed widely sans any action, it assumed prominence after the video of a woman officer entering a church for prayers in a vehicle provided to her by the TTD management went viral on social media.
Several Hindu groups expressed displeasure and demanded action on such people, following which the TTD was forced to take action by issuing memos and seeking explanation. Though the nature of action is not immediately known, sources said those identified might be sent to State government service, without affecting their promotional prospects and benefits.
The issue has gained political colours when, recently, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad moved into the case and asked for all employees of non-Hindu faith be identified.
“Not just practising a different religion, some of them were found to be serving as pastors and preachers,” VHP district secretary K. Subbanna told The Hindu. It thanked Executive Officer A.K. Singhal for taking prompt action on their demands.
With the priests complaining, the trust has decided not only to send summons to the concerned employees, but also to take the government’s advice on the issue. One of the complaints was directed against M S Snehalatha, who is Deputy Executive Officer in the trust’s welfare department. A driver who was sacked by the employee had complained that she was using her official vehicle to visit church every Sunday.
The reason the trust committee want to consult the government is probably because it is not sure of the legal implications that any such sackings – of people of other faiths – may bring up.
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