Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for a Self-Sustaining, Technology-Driven Temple Ecosystem, emphasizing the need to integrate technology while preserving temple heritage. Speaking at the second edition of the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 in Tirupati on February 17, he highlighted the crucial role of temples in economic development and cultural preservation, stressing the importance of blending faith with modern governance.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Power and Renewable Energy Sripad Yesso Naik, TTD Chairman BR Naidu, and ITCX Founder Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni.
Calling ITCX the ‘Maha Kumbh of temples,’ CM Chandrababu Naidu underscored the impact of temple conventions in shaping discussions on temple administration, economic contribution, and cultural preservation. He pointed out that ITCX had previously held its first conclave in Varanasi, making Tirupati a natural venue for its latest edition.
With participation from 1,581 temples across multiple countries, 685 virtual attendees, 111 speakers, 15 workshops, and 60 stalls, the event was a landmark in global temple collaboration.
Strengthening Temple Economy and Global Heritage
The CM highlighted the evolving role of temples as economic and cultural hubs, estimating temple-related activities in India at ₹6 lakh crore. He recalled the initiation of the Annadanam scheme in 1983-84, which has since grown to a corpus of ₹2,000 crore in Sri Venkateswara Temple. Likewise, the Pranadanam scheme, launched by him in 2003 with a corpus of ₹440 crore, continues to fund life-saving efforts.
Balaji Temples in Every State Capital
The Chief Minister announced that his government would establish Balaji temples in every state capital and across major international cities to unite devotees and promote spiritual heritage globally. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and ITCX will collaborate on expanding temple presence worldwide, he added.
Harnessing AI and Technology for Temple Management
Recognising India’s first-mover advantage in technology adoption, CM Chandrababu Naidu advocated for integrating AI, digital tools, and fintech solutions to enhance temple administration. He stressed that while India is at the forefront of technological advancements, faith remains irreplaceable.
“ITCX 2025 focuses on AI integration, sustainability, security, and financial transparency,” CM stated. He called for efficient fund management, AI-powered surveillance, RFID-based tokens for crowd control, and digital governance to ensure seamless temple operations.
Tirupati hosted the Maha Kumbh of Temples today! It was a blessing and privilege to attend and address the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025. At the event, I shared my views on the confluence of technology and faith. By embracing the latest technology and modern… pic.twitter.com/1XcQMR3PW4
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 17, 2025
Commitment to Temple Security and Autonomy
CM Chandrababu Naidu has announced key reforms to enhance temple security and ensure self-sustaining temple management. As part of these efforts, temple Trust Boards will be expanded to include members from the Brahmin and Nayee Brahmin communities. A dedicated committee will be formed to oversee temple security, while a Temple Tourism Committee, comprising ministers from the Forest, Endowment, and Tourism departments, will be established to promote religious tourism.
Additionally, the Dharmika Parishad will be strengthened under the Endowments Act to improve governance. The government allocated ₹134 crore from the Common Good Fund for temple renovations in the past seven months.
Preserving Andhra Pradesh’s Temple Legacy
With 27,000 temples and 21 crore annual pilgrims, Andhra Pradesh remains a spiritual powerhouse. CM Naidu emphasized enhancing archaka (priest) remuneration, increasing the stipend for unemployed Vedic scholars to ₹3,000, and for greater autonomy in temple and Vedic affairs.
“We are building Amaravati as the abode of angels, inspired by Devendra’s capital, and we urge devotees to visit after their Balaji darshan,” he stated. Additionally, he committed to preserving Tirumala’s 75% green cover and promoting environmental sustainability.
“Serving God is serving humanity,” he affirmed, advocating for temples to drive social impact. He reaffirmed his commitment to zero corruption in temple management, asserting, “If you commit fraud near Tirumala Balaji temple, he will not forgive you.”
A United Future: Integrating Temples with National Growth
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vikasit Bharat 2047 agenda, Chandrababu Naidu highlighted India’s immense global potential. He projected that India will become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029 and one of the top two by 2047. He also emphasized that by 2047, Indians will emerge as the most influential global community, leveraging the nation’s demographic dividend to gain a strategic edge over aging advanced economies.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minster endorsed the ITCX initiative, aimed at uniting Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in a collective cultural and economic movement. He urged the nation to harness its temple heritage, spirituality, and technological strength to build a prosperous future for all.
On this occasion, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, said, “Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar’s contributions to the preservation and revival of Indian culture remain unparalleled. Her unwavering dedication to restoring temples across Bharat stands as a guiding inspiration for all of us.
“Today, as we witness the grand Kumbh of faith in Prayagraj, we are reminded of India’s deep-rooted communal unity, where people from all walks of life come together in devotion and harmony. Similarly, the magnificent temples of South India, built thousands of years ago, continue to astonish the world with their unmatched architectural brilliance and spiritual significance.
https://x.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1891515069504336195
“Through this International Temple Conference & Expo (ITCX) 2025, our collective mission is to reaffirm the role of temples as centers of harmony, culture, and social resurgence. It is our responsibility to preserve these sacred spaces and restore them to their rightful place at the heart of our society,” he added.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing the Temple Mahakumbh, emphasized the role of Hindu rulers in preserving Sanatana Dharma. He highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra and how successive rulers contributed to temple reconstruction despite invasions by the Mughals, British, Portuguese, and Dutch. He praised the Mahakumbh as a symbol of this ongoing revival, asserting that temples are not just places of worship but also unifying forces for the nation.
https://x.com/DrPramodPSawant/status/1891474540783706523
Speaking about Goa’s rich temple heritage, Sawant recalled the destruction of temples during Portuguese rule and credited Shivaji and Shambhaji Maharaj for their restoration efforts. He cited the reconstruction of the Saptakoteshwar and Shanta Durga temples as examples of resilience.
Highlighting the broader significance of temple culture, the Chief Minister urged devotees to visit Goa not just for its beaches but also for its temples, which stand as symbols of heritage and faith. He underscored the need to blend tradition with development, stating that temples are now being built even outside India, reinforcing the global presence of Sanatana Dharma.
The International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) is platform focused on the comprehensive management of temples that connects people to share best practices, key insights, and innovative strategies for temple management.
