The World’s first International Temples Convention and Expo 2023 (ITCX) concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 1098 delegates from 32 countries and over 250 renowned temples. Held from July 22-24 at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi, the convention was a groundbreaking gathering that focused on standardization, organization, and digitization of temple ecosystems. The event featured 40 sessions, including 10 keynotes, 10 Temple Talks, and numerous insightful feature sessions and panel discussions.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Transformation
The convention’s opening day saw the inauguration by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, along with ITCX founders Prasad Lad and Giresh Kulkarni. Notable attendees included Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution of India, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, National Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Milind Parande, Secretary General of Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Keynote speakers and Temple Talks highlighted the management of some of India’s richest and most visited temples. The convention also unveiled India’s first Smart Temples Mission, aiming to modernize and improve temple management. With participation from over 32 countries, both in-person and virtually, the event garnered support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.*
Day 2: Showcasing Innovation and Best Practices
The second day featured innovative launches and temple case studies, including Ayodhya Ram Mandir and Jain Temples. The ITCX 2023 also introduced initiatives like the Annadan initiative by Temple Connect, inspired by langars at gurudwaras. Notable speakers included Shri Gaurang Das Prabhuji of ISKCON, discussing empowering the temple ecosystem.
The highlight of the day was the introduction of the Smart Temples Mission by Temple Connect, taking inspiration from the Smart City missions. The convention also facilitated discussions on temple tourism improvement, aimed at influencing key decision makers and authorities.
Day 3: Paving the Way for Change
On the final day, Giresh Kulkarni led an overview address, followed by a Keynote Address by Shri Milind Parande, Secretary General of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Topics ranged from cyber surveillance and technology in the temple ecosystem to temple administration and management. The convention concluded with a sense of new beginnings and renewed commitment to change.
Giresh Kulkarni, Founder Of ITCX 2023 & Temple Connect said, “ITCX 2023, at its core, is disruptive, for it shatters the perception that temple ecosystems belong to a bygone era. To keep the value of traditions and devotion alive, temple administrations are ready to embrace the change. They have all the means and inclination to match the footsteps of technology and modernisation, and reboot their processes to suit the times.The idea was to bring gigantic, mid-sized and even small temples together on one equal footing for a knowledge-sharing and networking platform and start a revolution in the organisation, management and administration of temple ecosystems to benefit the consumer or pilgrim. We have given them a lot to think about, absorb and get inspired to implement practice to convenience the common man. The vision was clear – to improve management, operation and administration of the temple ecosystem.”
“We promoted adoption and use of new-age and modern approaches for ease of working. A CCTV camera does not choose who it secures depending on what religion they are from. Be it a gurdwara, a Buddhist shrine or a Jain mandir, it will do the same job of surveillance. We have tried to resolve matters related to the cause that may be left out due to limitation of understanding technology or not having the right channel to address the matter. We have put it all together for the benefit of all. The next big step is to go to all the temples, conduct audits, training master classes and workshops, and bridging the gap between service provider and key decision maker, all this for the convenience of the devotee who walks in” he added.
Meghaa Ghosh, Show Director & Co-Curator, ITCX 2023 said, “That someone was thinking about making temples relevant to the youth was a no-brainer for me to be part of. We have found ourselves in a time where taking initiative matters. No one has attempted to create a forum for temple management, but there is always a first. The convention brings to the fore a sense of national pride in our rich Temple heritage. And the sessions and talks were designed with an intention to introduce innovation and available solutions into the temple ecosystem. We are beginning with four faiths with similar roots. We would love to see more faiths join the movement in the coming years.”
Prasad Lad, Chairman Of International Temples Convention & Expo 2023 And Member Of Maharashtra Legislative Council stated, “We have achieved the gigantic feat of hosting 1098 delegates from 16 countries and even more participated in the live online streams. I truly believe in C to C – which means the money a common man donates at a temple should benefit the common man. For this, we had presentations on fund management and taxation. From the money a temple collects, the management should be able to easily set aside readily available funds for medical help, book bank for children, and educational adoption such as book bank for children. Some of the topics were a revelation – security surveillance, physical security, incorporating technology for smooth running of temples such as face recognition and solid waste management.”
He added that the concept of green temples is close to his heart. “In the Ayodhya Case study, we learnt the idea of setting up solar trees that lend beautification to the temples and provide light. The Langar management system at the golden temple is unmatched. It is such a brilliant working system that no one goes hungry. The key takeaway for me personally was to see delegates from every part of the country and world, network, and exchange good ideas. From here on, we are aware that it will take time to implement change, but the genuine attempt was to sow the right seeds.”
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat said “A huge and extremely critical aspect of temple management is cleanliness because temples are a symbol of purity. Definitely, with the PM’s Swacch Bharat Abhiyan there has been a great effect on temples as well, however with the International Temple Convention we seek to achieve this on a deeper level in every temple in the world – small or big. We need to pass on the legacy of temple service to the next generation for which education and awareness on temple ecosystems is important. In view of the same, we must strive to solidify every aspect of temple management whether it is hygiene, service or infrastructure – it all must be a robust and effective system for our youth to take forward for generations to come.”
The International Temples Convention and Expo 2023 has set a milestone in the transformation of temple ecosystems. With global participation, innovative launches, and insightful discussions, the convention sparked a revolution in temple organization, management, and administration. As the event came to a close, it marked the beginning of a new era for temples worldwide, one that embraces modernization and innovation while preserving traditions and devotion.
