Indo US Tribune News Desk
May 29, 2026
A meeting organized by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) on the theme “Hinduism at Crossroads: Time for Action” drew community members, religious advocates, and supporters to India Hub in Chicago on May 24, where speakers discussed Hindu temple autonomy, preservation of Sanatana Dharma, and concerns over government interference in religious institutions in India.

Organizers described the event as a major success and said it highlighted the organization’s two-decade-long efforts to protect Hindu religious institutions and traditions.

According to GHHF leaders, the organization was founded nearly 20 years ago by Chairman Prasad Yalamanchi and other board members with two central objectives: freeing Hindu temples from state government control and preserving, protecting, and promoting Sanatana Dharma. The organization said it is currently involved in 16 projects across India.

During the presentation, speakers alleged that several state governments in India have exercised excessive control over Hindu temples by taking over temple lands and funds, appointing politically connected individuals to temple boards, and using temple revenues for non-religious purposes. They argued that such actions violate Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious groups to manage their own institutions.

The speakers claimed that while Hindu temples have been placed under government administration in several states, churches and mosques have largely remained independent. GHHF representatives said Hindu organizations and activists have challenged these practices in various High Courts and the Supreme Court over the years.

According to the organization, a recent development in the Supreme Court may mark an important turning point. GHHF leaders stated that the Court had sought the opinion of the Central Government regarding state control of temples and that the Union government supported releasing temples from state administration. Speakers called May 18, 2026, a “historic day” in the movement for Hindu temple autonomy.

A major portion of the discussion focused on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which administers the Tirumala temple complex in Andhra Pradesh.

GHHF representatives said the organization had raised concerns over what they described as non-spiritual activities and commercial projects near Tirumala and Tirupati. Among the issues discussed was the proposed construction of the Mumtaj Hotel near Tirumala Hills. Speakers alleged that the project conflicted with the sacred atmosphere of the temple town and said sustained opposition from Hindu groups eventually led to its cancellation.

The organization also objected to the proposed Lulu Mall project in Tirupati, arguing that large-scale commercial developments could alter the demographic and cultural character of the city. GHHF further criticized permission allegedly granted for a large Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Tirupati, expressing concerns about maintaining the sanctity of the temple region.
GHHF Chicago meeting focuses on Hindu temple autonomy and preservation of Sanatana Dharma. Another issue raised during the meeting was the alleged employment of non-Hindus within the TTD administration. GHHF said it had repeatedly requested investigations into claims that Christians were employed in significant numbers within temple operations.

As part of its proposed solutions, the organization renewed its demand for Tirumala, Tirupati, and Tiruchanur to be officially declared “Punyakshetra,” or holy zones, where restrictions on alcohol, meat, and other activities considered inconsistent with the spiritual character of the region would apply. Speakers cited former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao, who had once envisioned Tirupati as a global spiritual center for Hindus comparable in significance to the Vatican for Christians.

The meeting also addressed what organizers described as opposition faced by GHHF while attempting to hold awareness programs in Tirupati. According to the organization, permissions for meetings at several venues, including a TTD facility and other locations, were canceled shortly before scheduled events discussing temple sanctity and the proposed holy zone designation.

GHHF additionally criticized comments allegedly made in 2025 by B. R. Naidu, Chairman of the TTD Board. Organizers claimed that Naidu accused the organization of misleading Hindus and questioned its activities after GHHF publicly advocated for declaring Tirupati and Tirumala as protected religious zones.

The event also highlighted the actions of Andhra Pradesh politician Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, whom speakers praised for advocating stricter enforcement of laws related to illegal religious structures and public order issues.

Concluding the program, speakers called for equal treatment of all religions under the law while urging Hindus to work collectively to preserve temple traditions and religious heritage. Organizers also acknowledged the contributions of community members and volunteers who supported the Chicago event, including Harish Kolasani for providing India Hub as the venue and several others who assisted with outreach and arrangements.