The Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department in Karnataka has embarked on an ambitious journey to breathe new life into its vast collection of historical and ancient temples. They’ve established a dedicated seven-member vision group, tasked with proposing essential infrastructure improvements for a staggering 34,165 ‘C’ category temples scattered across the state.
This newly formed group brings together a rich blend of expertise. Notable members include esteemed educationist K.E. Radhakrishna, former Member of Parliament K.C. Ramamurthy, and former MLA Shankuntala Shetty, ensuring a multifaceted approach to temple revitalization.
The formation of this crucial vision group was initially announced during the State Budget for 2024-25. Its primary goal is to address the pressing need for basic facilities in ‘C’ category historical temples, many of which lack significant income streams to support their upkeep.
According to Ramalinga Reddy, the Minister overseeing Transport and Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments, the group will play a pivotal role in advising the department on the specific types of infrastructure needed for temples currently in disrepair or dilapidated condition.
Mobilizing Support and Resources
Beyond identifying needs, the vision group is also responsible for strategizing fundraising efforts. This includes outlining effective methods to solicit donations from individuals, crafting renovation plans that meticulously preserve the temples’ original architectural integrity, tapping into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from diverse companies, and fostering seamless coordination among various government departments to ensure efficient project execution.