Image: Akincana Gocara (AI-generated scene, from a photo of ISKCON Delhi). Portrait of Yudhistir Govinda Das from ISKCON Communications
At a national tourism conclave in New Delhi, ISKCON India’s communications director told industry leaders that artificial intelligence should help pilgrims experience the stories of holy places, without making a visit impersonal.
NEW DELHI, India — Yudhistir Govinda Das, Trustee and Country Director of Communications of ISKCON India, spoke on a panel about technology and the future of travel at the ASSOCHAM National Tourism Conclave on 30 September 2026, alongside the heads of DigiYatra, EaseMyTrip and Hotel Sircle.[1][2] “As the tourism sector grows and there is an infusion of AI in the process, we need to make sure that AI becomes seamless to help pilgrims experience the richness of our traditions,” he said, according to ISKCON News.[1]
The one-day conclave, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) through its National Council on Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, took as its theme “Tourism as an Economic Engine: Technology, Policy, Investment & Global Partnerships”.[3] ISKCON News reported that it was held at the Shangri-La Eros hotel and brought together government representatives, tourism boards, hospitality leaders, investors and travel-technology companies.[1] Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed the event and released a CBRE report on the sector.[4]
Yudhistir Govinda Das sat on the second panel, “Smart Tourism: AI, Digital Platforms & the Future of Travel Experience”, which asked whether technology is the biggest disruptor of travel. The event poster lists his fellow panellists as:[2]
According to ISKCON News, he argued that technology in pilgrimage should serve the place rather than replace the experience of it:[1]
“Each temple and holy place has a story to tell. Technology needs to help visitors seamlessly experience the history, culture and traditions of the place without becoming excessive or making the visit impersonal.”
Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON India, as reported by ISKCON News, 1 October 2026
He described how ISKCON’s own temples already use these tools:[1]
“Today, millions of devotees and visitors from across the world visit the ISKCON temples. We aim to facilitate their visit using technology to create a comfortable visitor experience and help them learn about Yoga, meditation, and spirituality, and experience the joy of devotion. Through the use of Immersive Reality, Museums, mobile apps, and other tools, we ensure they go back with something positive regardless of the language they speak or their culture.”
Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON India, as reported by ISKCON News, 1 October 2026
ISKCON News cited two examples: ISKCON Mayapur in West Bengal, which it said received an estimated 10 million-plus visitors in 2025, and the Glory of India Vedic Cultural Center at Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir in New Delhi, whose Vedic Expo uses visual effects, sound and lighting to present scriptural and philosophical teachings.[1]
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