‘Empower even the smallest temples in Bharat’: Dr Mohan Bhagwat at International Temples Convention and Expo 2023

“Hindu temples play an important role  in awakening and nurturing faith and devotion. We must empower even the smallest temples in Bharat. Many temples are under the government’s control, and we should think about how to integrate them. Temple connectivity is already happening, and the next step is to survey all the temples. If the faith and the religion itself do not exist, how will things function?,” said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on July 22, 2023, while  addressing the representatives of temples from all over the country at the International Temples Convention and Expo 2023 that was held in Varanasi.

Dr Bhagwat also praised the transformed appearance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He said that the presence of Bhagwan Ram exists in every particle, and therefore, society’s unity and message will emanate from the temples. Dr Bhagwat emphasised the need for temples that care about every section of society and every individual’s concerns. He urged people to make plans and connect with everyone.

Mohan Bhagwat highlights role of temple in inculcating the right values among the youth

Mohan Bhagwat said that the sanctity of temples lies in maintaining cleanliness and serving the temples. While discussing the Hathiaram Math in Gazipur, he mentioned that the mahants there are making efforts to impart education and values, and people from all walks of life visit the place. Notably, two days ago, Dr Bhagwat had visited the Hathiaram Math in Gazipur.

He stated, “We need to provide our new generation with education, values, and other essential elements through temples, as they will be the ones responsible for the future. They need to be trained from now on. We have to be concerned about education and health and connect with them. We have already started connecting, now let’s survey and make our connections comprehensive.”

Also, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter in which he had  extended huge support to the initiative that was taken by the International Temples Convention and Expo 2023. In the letter, PM Modi encouraged the participants to make optimum use of this platform and work towards realising the vision of  “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.” He had also stated that the huge representation of people from hundreds of temples from 30 nations is indicative that efforts are being made not only to strengthen our own temple ecosystem but also internationally.

Girish Kulkarni and others highlight importance of temple management 

Girish Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and International Temples Convention and Expo 2023 , while addressing the gathering said that its been ages since the topic of the temple management has been handled and is among the most important topics. He further said that in the past, temples used to gracefully conduct their duties including imparting education, improvising the santisation and solid waste management system along with the new age technology.

He further said that the current generation has seen AI, television and mobile phones. Keeping in mind the convenience of the people, initiatives have been upgraded to the level of corporation and coordination for the temple.

Meanwhile , Prasad Lad -Chairman of International Temples Convention and Expo 2023 said that the Swami Vivekananda had said that he comes from one of the world’s oldest dharma and that they accept every dharma its thought as well as the truth. Lad ji further said that in India, the history of the temples is more than 500 years old and our dharma. He further added that every devotee came to the temple with a positive mindset and therefore they do deserve a positive attitude at the temple.

Ashwani Kumar Chaubey, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare said, that our temples are not mere places of worship but also work towards other causes such as medicinal, health, education and humanitarian.