As Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya celebrates his 57th birthday on December 18, 2012, the airline chief kept his promise of making the event special. The employees of the airline might not agree with the boss, but Mallya went personally to Tirumala and donated 3 kilograms of gold to the temple.
The donation was done so as to fulfill a promise Mallya had allegedly made earlier to the Lord of the Seven Hills, stating that he would pay the God in the form of a gold plate, which is known as the ‘bangaru vakili’. The temple is known as the world’s richest pilgrimage centre and Mallya handed over the gold to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam officials.
The news was confirmed by deputy executive officer Chinangari Ramana, who said that a receipt was also issued to Mallya for the donation. However, this is not the first time Mallya has donated to the temple. In the past, the airline chief has donated up to 8 kilograms of gold plating to adorn various parts of the temple.
Mallya Tweeted, “I am overwhelmed n humbled by ur birthday greetings n good wishes. Thank u from d bottom of my heart. Am in Tirupati. May Balaji bless us all.” Mallya has been in the news ever since his airline was grounded in October, due to financial stress on the company and the non-payment of its employees salaries.
