Technology-Driven Temple Eco-System at ITCX-2025- CM Chandrababu Naidu

Tirupati: Addressing the second edition of the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 in Tirupati, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. CM Naidu outlined his vision of a Self-Sustaining, Technology-Driven Temple Ecosystem, blending faith with modern governance. He also emphasised the significance of temple heritage, technological integration, and economic development in temple ecosystems.
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 Chief Minister highlighted the evolving role of temples as economic and cultural hubs, estimating temple-related activities in India at ₹6 lakh crore. He recalled the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao’s (NTR) 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.
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 ensuring 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.”