Naidu announced plans to establish Balaji temples in every state capital and major international cities to unite devotees and promote India’s spiritual heritage.
Published Feb 19, 2025 | 7:06 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 19, 2025 | 7:06 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the second edition of the International Temples Convention & Expo in Tirupati. (NCBN/X)
Synopsis: Attending the ITCX, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled his plan to establish Balaji temples in every state capital and major international cities, and underscored the need for a fusion of faith and technology-driven initiatives to govern temples.
Highlighting the evolving role of temples as economic and cultural hubs, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu estimated that the value of temple-related activities in India would be ₹6 lakh crore.
Speaking at the second edition of the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) in Tirupati on Monday, 17 February, Naidu underscored the need for a fusion of faith and technology-driven initiatives to govern temples.
He emphasised the importance of preserving temple heritage, integrating technology, and fostering economic development within the temple ecosystems.
Describing ITCX as the ‘Maha Kumbh of Temples,’ Naidu underscored its role in shaping discussions on temple administration, economic contributions, and cultural preservation. He noted that the first conclave was held in Varanasi, making Tirupati a fitting venue for its latest edition.
With 1,581 temples from multiple countries participating, along with 685 virtual attendees, 111 speakers, 15 workshops, and 60 stalls, the event marked a significant milestone in global temple collaboration.
The chief minister recalled the Annadanam scheme, initiated by NT Rama Rao, founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in 1983-84.
The scheme, which provides free meals to devotees, has grown to a corpus of ₹2,000 crore at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Similarly, the Pranadanam scheme he had launched in 2003 with a corpus of ₹440 crore has been funding life-saving initiatives.
He announced plans to establish Balaji temples in every state capital and major international cities to unite devotees and promote India’s spiritual heritage globally. He revealed that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and ITCX would collaborate to expand the presence of temples worldwide.
Recognising India’s leadership in technology adoption, he advocated for integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and fintech solutions to enhance temple administration. He emphasised that while technology was transforming governance, faith remained irreplaceable.
“ITCX 2025 focuses on AI integration, sustainability, security, and financial transparency,” Naidu stated. He called for efficient fund management, AI-powered surveillance, RFID-based tokens for crowd control, and digital governance to ensure seamless temple operations.
The Andhra Pradesh government has already introduced initiatives such as an IVRS-based feedback system and mechanised sanitation to maintain temple hygiene.
Naidu announced key reforms to strengthen temple security and ensure self-sustaining temple management. Temple Trust Boards will be expanded 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.
Additionally, the Dharmika Parishad will be strengthened under the Endowments Act to improve governance.
Demonstrating the government’s commitment to temple preservation, ₹134 crore from the Common Good Fund has been allocated for temple renovations in the past seven months, he said.
With 27,000 temples and 21 crore annual pilgrims, Andhra Pradesh remained a spiritual powerhouse. Naidu emphasised enhancing the remuneration of archakas (priests), increasing the stipend for unemployed Vedic scholars to ₹3,000, and ensuring greater autonomy in temple and Vedic affairs.
“We are building Amaravati as the abode of angels, inspired by Devendra’s capital. We urge devotees to visit (Amaravati) after their Balaji darshan,” he said.
Naidu also reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Tirumala’s 75% green cover and promoting environmental sustainability.
“Serving God is serving humanity,” Naidu said, urging temples to strive to make a social impact. He reiterated his commitment to zero corruption in temple management, stating, “If you commit fraud near the Tirumala Balaji Temple, the Lord will not forgive you.”
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vikasit Bharat 2047 agenda, the chief minister highlighted 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 advanced but aging economies.
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, ITCX Founder Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, and others attended the event.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
