The recent International Temples Convention and Expo took place in Tirupati, uniting temples from 58 countries across the faiths of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Giresh Kulkarni, an innovative entrepreneur and the founder of Temple Connect, shared insights about this significant gathering with The Statesman.**Interview Excerpts**

**Can you elaborate on Temple Connect and the ITCX?**

At Temple Connect and the ITCX, our primary goal is to educate temple managers on effectively managing crowd control. Drawing lessons from incidents like those at the Tirupati temple, we strive to create strategies that prioritize the safety of devotees while preserving the sacredness of their temple experiences. The International Temples Convention and Expo serves as a specialized platform for temple managers, addressing both the spiritual and administrative facets of temple governance. Temples operate on two essential fronts: the dharma aspect, which encompasses religious rituals, karmakand, vidhi-vidhan, and ceremonies led by priests and spiritual leaders, and the management side, which deals with administration, operations, upkeep, and the devotee experience.

The convention discussed a broad array of topics, such as financial management, donation handling, transaction management, crowd management, safety measures, disaster readiness, surveillance, parking solutions, electric vehicle stations, renewable energy usage, and legal frameworks for temples. A central theme was the creation of a single-window legal support system to assist temples in navigating legal hurdles efficiently.

We also delved into charitable initiatives—illustrating how temples channel public donations into community welfare projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure enhancements—while integrating modern methodologies for greater impact. The convention plans to highlight the distinction between temple tourism and pilgrimage, examining large events like the Kumbh Mela to enhance management and coordination.

Ultimately, the ITCX aims to facilitate a space for dialogue and collaboration, empowering temple systems, implementing innovative strategies, and enriching the overall experience for devotees.

**How are temples incorporating technology?**

With changing times, the demographic of temple visitors, predominantly aged between 17-32, is reshaping temple economies and their evolving demands. In response, technology has been upgraded significantly, incorporating advancements such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and integrated communication tools like WhatsApp alongside enhanced surveillance systems. Temples are increasingly receptive to these technological innovations and are evolving alongside them. The International Temples Convention and Expo will offer valuable learning opportunities from new-age solution providers, facilitating technological adaptation that can transform the temple economy.

**Is there a connection between the rise of digital platforms and the increasing popularity of temples?**

Today, with advancements in broadcast messaging and innovative communication solutions, social and digital media reach new zeniths. Unlike earlier times when temple visits and devotional experiences went unrecorded, today’s visitors frequently create reels, share uplifting narratives, and generate captivating content that inspires others to visit these sacred spaces. For instance, during the ongoing Kumbh Mela, an estimated 40 crore participants are anticipated. This influx includes not only young people from urban and rural India but also international visitors who are keen to be part of this monumental gathering. Whether at Kedarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, the Shakti Peeths, or the Divya Desams, digital transformation significantly enhances temple footfall.

The central government, along with various departments, is capitalizing on this digital evolution by partnering with influencers and streamlining outreach efforts. While the influence continues to grow, the focus should be on directing it efficiently to elevate the overall devotee experience.

**How can temples’ funds be utilized to improve services for devotees?**

Temples play a vital role in leveraging public donations for societal welfare. Traditionally seen as offerings to deities, today, temple funds are strategically allocated for a variety of initiatives extending beyond mere maintenance of temple premises.

Nowadays, temples are focusing on infrastructure development, efficient queue management, sustainability initiatives, and waste management. There’s a concerted effort to enhance medical services for devotees, fund education for underprivileged students, and improve accessibility around temple premises with better roads, wheelchair access, and robust surveillance systems.

Furthermore, larger temples are extending their support to smaller regional temples to ensure the essential rituals, services, and maintenance requirements are met. Many temples are also increasingly involved in healthcare and education, crucial components of community welfare. Initiatives such as hospitals, medical aid, and scholarships for students are becoming significant areas of focus for temple funding.

In addition, annadaan seva—dedicated to feeding the hungry—remains a priority, ensuring food is provided to all, reinforcing the spirit of compassion. Through these collective efforts, temples are transforming into centers of social responsibility, making a significant impact in the lives of many.

**Could the stampede in Tirupati have been prevented?**

The unfortunate stampede that occurred during the pass distribution at Tirumala could likely have been avoided. However, discipline is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation from both administration and devotees. It’s vital for visitors to follow established procedures and maintain order. While the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been commendable in managing temple operations, large crowds can sometimes lead to unexpected incidents. Enhanced systems are already being rolled out by TTD and the government, but cultivating discipline among devotees is just as crucial. Addressing this issue is about fostering collaboration among relevant departments and temple authorities to implement measures that prevent such chaos in the future—not only in Tirupati but across the country.

At ITCX, we will address this significant issue by focusing on equipping temple managers with the skills to manage growing crowds effectively. This unfortunate incident should serve as a catalyst for developing improved strategies that prioritize the safety of devotees and uphold the sanctity of temple experiences.

**How is ITCX aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047?**

We proudly align with the Viksit Bharat initiative, committed to making meaningful contributions that uplift our motherland. A central objective of this vision is to highlight India’s rich devotional heritage, one of the oldest and most significant aspects of our culture. Standardizing and enhancing components of the temple ecosystem is crucial in this vision.

As the temple economy continues to flourish, structured management compliant with government guidelines becomes increasingly essential. This focus should encompass not just prominent temples but also smaller ones with fewer visitors, ensuring robust systems to eradicate mismanagement.

In the years ahead, we envision significant transformations in temple experiences through advanced technology, improved support systems, and enhanced coordination. As part of Viksit Bharat, Temple Connect is dedicated to contributing its expertise to elevate the temple economy, ensuring a seamless, enriching experience for devotees and all stakeholders involved.

**Can India become the spiritual capital of the world?**

India is set to emerge not only as the spiritual capital of the world but also as its devotional hub. Understanding the difference between spirituality and devotion is key, as the two are often conflated. Devotion involves external practices such as murti puja, rudraksha, havans, kirtans, and temple visits—actions performed outwardly. Spirituality, conversely, is an inward journey comprising naam jap, mantra chanting, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and chakra healing—practices that nurture inner well-being.

As a global beacon of spiritual and devotional wisdom, India has continually shared its rich heritage, culture, and traditions. Nowadays, even those entrenched in corporate life are increasingly drawn to these practices seeking balance for their minds, bodies, and souls. The energy and frequency experienced through temple visits, devotional rituals, and spiritual practices are becoming vital for holistic well-being, and this trend is only expected to grow.