UNITED KINGDOM, March 30, 2026 (Global Indian): At the historic Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni of Temple Connect was named among the Global Thought Leaders of the Year 2025. The recognition counts his two-decade mission to modernize and digitally connect 12,864 temples worldwide among the work of global changemakers. For Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, temple visits are much more than offering prayers. They are a dialogue with the history, architecture, energy and divinity of temples. With an eye for detail, he goes around temples understanding their overall functioning — right from their origins, architectural evolution, rituals, administrative systems, the socio-economic ecosystem around them, and the spiritual energies that define them.
The meticulously collected information then finds its way to Temple Connect, a one-of-its-kind platform where devotees worldwide can access comprehensive information about temples, rituals and local customs. “We have connected over 12,864 temples across the world with a motive of empowering the temple economy with improved temple management, administration, maintenance and operations,” says Giresh, Founder of Temple Connect, and the International Temples Convention & Expo, in a chat with Global Indian. Temple Connect was not built overnight. It was a meticulous process of identifying the needs of devotees, understanding the nuances of temple management, and leveraging technology to offer unparalleled services. Giresh’s expertise in media and event management played a crucial role in shaping the platform’s identity. The initiative establishes a global connection by creating a unified digital and professional network for Hindu temples across 58 countries.
Temple Connect Site:
https://templeconnect.com/temple/
and its founder, Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni:
https://www.globalindian.com/story/cover-story/giresh-vasudev-kulkarni-linking-more-than-12000-temples-in-58-countries-through-the-temple-connect-platform/