Addressing the second edition of the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 in Tirupati, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled his vision for a self-sustaining, technology-driven temple ecosystem, blending spirituality with modern governance. He emphasised the importance of preserving temple heritage while integrating technology and fostering economic growth within temple ecosystems.
The event saw the participation of 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.
Referring to ITCX as the ‘Maha Kumbh of temples,’ CM Naidu highlighted the significance of temple conventions in shaping discussions on temple administration, economic impact, and cultural preservation. He noted that the inaugural ITCX was held in Varanasi, making Tirupati a fitting venue for its second edition. With over 1,500 temples from multiple countries, 685 virtual attendees, 111 speakers, 15 workshops, and 60 stalls, the event marked a milestone in global temple collaboration.
The Chief Minister spotlighted the evolving role of temples as both economic and cultural hubs, estimating temple-related activities in India at Rs 6 lakh crore. He recalled the legacy of TDP founder NT Rama Rao, who initiated the Annadanam scheme in 1983-84, now with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore in Sri Venkateswara Temple. Similarly, the Pranadanam scheme, launched by him in 2003 with a corpus of Rs 440 crore, continues to fund life-saving initiatives.
In a significant announcement, CM Naidu revealed that his government would establish Balaji temples in every state capital and key international cities to unite devotees and promote India’s spiritual heritage globally. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and ITCX will work together to expand the temple’s global presence.
“ITCX 2025 focuses on AI integration, sustainability, security, and financial transparency,” CM Naidu said. He stressed the need for efficient fund management, AI-powered surveillance, RFID-based crowd control tokens, and digital governance to streamline temple operations. The Andhra Pradesh government will introduce an IVRS-based feedback system and mechanised sanitation to maintain temple hygiene.
To bolster temple security and ensure self-sustaining temple management, CM Naidu announced key reforms, including expanding temple Trust Boards to include members from the Brahmin and Nayee Brahmin communities. A dedicated committee will oversee temple security, while a Temple Tourism Committee, comprising ministers from the Forest, Endowment, and Tourism departments, will promote religious tourism.
Furthermore, the Dharmika Parishad will be strengthened under the Endowments Act to improve governance. Demonstrating the government’s commitment to temple preservation, Rs 134 crore from the Common Good Fund has been allocated for temple renovations in the past seven months.
“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 said. 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 have a social impact. He reaffirmed his commitment to zero tolerance for corruption in temple management, stating, “If you commit fraud near the Tirumala Balaji temple, he will not forgive you.”
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vikasit Bharat 2047 agenda, CM Naidu stressed India’s immense global potential. He projected that India would become the world’s third-largest economy by 2029 and one of the top two by 2047. He also emphasised that by 2047, Indians would emerge as the most influential global community, leveraging the nation’s demographic dividend to gain a strategic edge over ageing advanced economies.
“Let us embrace our rich traditions and modern innovations to shape a strong and self-reliant India,” he concluded, ending with the resounding chants of “Namo Venkatesaya! Govinda Govinda!”.
