Prasanth Hopes for Palace Support, Says Sangamam Expenses Through CSR & Sponsorship
Pandalam: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President P. S. Prashanth said that the expenses for the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pamba will be covered through sponsorships and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Expressing hope for cooperation, he said that he shares a good relationship with the Pandalam Palace management committee and expected their support for the event. He also questioned the criticism over Sabarimala’s revenue management.
Prashanth clarified that palace representatives had demanded the withdrawal of cases related to the Sabarimala agitation and assured that they would convey the matter to the concerned authorities. He also stressed that the Devaswom Board had not filed any affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing the entry of women at Sabarimala. The affidavit supporting women’s entry, he pointed out, was submitted during the tenure of former president Prayar Gopalakrishnan.
He further stated that all rituals at Sabarimala have been followed properly over the past five years.
Meanwhile, M. R. Suresh Verma, secretary of the Pandalam Palace Executive Committee, said the palace would decide next week on its participation in the Sangamam. He also noted that the palace maintains a cordial relationship with the Devaswom Board.