Naidu highlights the role of temples in preservation of culture

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu emphasizes tech-driven temple ecosystem, autonomy, and security at International Temples Convention & Expo.

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu called for creation of a self-sustaining and tech-driven temple ecosystem with enough autonomy to temple administration and high security to the heritage structures, underscoring the role of temples across the country in protecting, preserving and propagating the Indian culture.

Participating as the chief guest at the inaugural of the second edition of International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX 2025) organised by Temple Connect here on Monday (February 17), he pointed out that over 55 crore devout Hindus had converged at Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela to take a holy dip at the Sangam, making it the largest religious congregation.

“As more people are turning towards spirituality, temples and religious institutions are receiving more donations,” he said, hinting at the need to channelise them for preservation of heritage structures and cultural practices, besides ensuring people’s welfare. He recalled that it was former Chief Minister Late N.T. Rama Rao’s brain child to provide free meals (Anna Prasadam) to the devotees visiting Tirumala.

While welcoming the delegates to the temple city of Tirupati, Mr. Naidu dwelt on the importance of temple tourism in ushering in a new and untapped economic avenue. With Artificial Intelligence set to become the order of the day sooner than expected, he saw a greater need for every sector to get equipped with the latest technological skills to face the emerging challenges.

Referring to Tirumala, he explained the plans to improve amenities and infrastructure to ensure a hassle-free trip for the visiting devotees. He assured to maintain 75% greenery atop Tirumala hills, tap green energy sources and also promote local tourism by creating temple circuits.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the firm link between temples and societies since olden days and added that it had not only changed lives, but also improved the living standards of the villages. “Foreign tourists visiting India are floored by the architectural grandeur of our ancient temples,” he said.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant likened the event to the ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ and called it the Kumbh Mela of Temples. He highlighted the importance of such events in spreading the message of a culturally-enlightened India far and wide.