NEW DELHI: In an unusual incentive to reward academic excellence, Delhi University‘s Sri Venkateswara College has announced a sponsored pilgrimage to Tirupati for final-year students securing a CGPA of 9.5 and above, with the benefit extending to both their parents, reports Sugandha Jha.The college will facilitate Srivari Break Darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala for eligible students and their parents. It will also bear the AC III-tier railway fare for all three passengers for their journey from Delhi to Tirupati and back.In addition, each eligible student will receive a Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Pratibha Award comprising a five-gram silver dollar, a shawl, a memento and a certificate.The decision was communicated by principal Vajala Ravi in a Nov 6 circular to students, following approval from the TTD management through a letter dated Oct 28. The college is run by TTD, the same board that manages the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh.The scheme benefits will be applicable from the 2025-26 academic year onwards. The pilgrimage will be subject to the availability of darshan dates and prevailing arrangements.In the circular, the college described the initiative as a philanthropic gesture to motivate students to excel academically. Principal Vajala Ravi said, “The biggest charity is contributing to education, which helps build intellectual minds, a strong society and a great nation. TTD has consistently supported the college’s educational initiatives as part of its social responsibility. This is a golden opportunity for students to gift their parents a lifetime experience even before beginning their professional careers.”
