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The International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025, held in the spiritual heart of Tirupati, served as India’s largest and most influential gathering on temple management, concluded with an unprecedented congregation of 1,500+ temples, esteemed political leaders, and revered religious heads from across Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Value-adding to the narrative of honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047, the event served as a transformative platform for shaping the future of temple governance, sustainability, and technological integration while reinforcing the timeless values of Sanatana Dharma. With thought-provoking discussions on temple autonomy, smart temples mission, and global best practices, ITCX 2025 has set a new benchmark in reimagining temples as centres of religious, cultural, and societal progress.
Envisioned by Giresh Kulkarni, founder of ITCX and Temple Connect, and Prasad Lad, ITCX Chairman who is also the Chief WHIP of Maharashtra Legislative Council, the platform has created a ripple effect, opening new avenues for temple leaders to reinvent temples as power centres of Hindu society. With India’s temple economy valued at ₹4-5 lakh crore, comparable to any major global industry, the discussions emphasized the need to operate temples as professional institutions where the common person’s donations directly benefit communities through medical aid, education, healthcare, and large-scale food distribution through langars. In only its second edition, ITCX has solidified its role as the driving force in reshaping temple management.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter of appreciation, said: “ITCX reflects the inherent unity in diversity of temples globally, and is in a way, a celebration of the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - visualisation of the entire Earth as one family. The 21st century belongs to knowledge-driven societies. It is particularly in this context that the efforts of Temple Connect to document, digitise and share this rich heritage acquire greater significance.”
The first day saw three CMs namely Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), N Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) and Pramod Sawant (Goa) come together on one stage for the first time, as well as Shri Shripad Naik - Central Minister & Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy of India. Day two saw Shri K. Annamalai - State President, BJP Tamil Nadu and Shri Milind Parande - General Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad power the cause of liberating Hindu temples from government control. The closing day continued to make an impact with Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development, AP.
Giresh Kulkarni, in his closing speech, said, “ITCX is more than just an event—it’s a movement aimed at revolutionising temple ecosystems through innovation and sustainability. It is our commitment to nation building. With India emerging as the global epicentre of devotion and spiritual tourism, there is a pressing need to organise, empower, and systematise temple operations to make them future ready. By implementing smart management strategies, we can ensure temples remain vibrant centres of spirituality, tradition, and community development.”