“Harmony Unveiled: Telangana Chief Minister Unites Faiths in State Secretariat”
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is set to demonstrate his commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity by inaugurating a temple, a mosque, and a church on August 25 within the premises of the newly opened Dr. BR Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat. The religious structures were previously damaged during the demolition of the old secretariat complex in July 2020, prompting the CM’s announcement to rebuild them.
In a gesture of embracing diversity, all three places of worship will be accessible to the Secretariat employees for performing religious rituals during respective festivities. Reflecting on the significance of this effort, CM Rao noted, “The government of Telangana believes in equality of all religions, reflecting the secular culture enshrined in the Constitution and spreading Telangana’s ‘Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb’ across the world.”

The selected date for the opening ceremony was finalized after consultation with religious leaders. During a recent review meeting, the Chief Minister, accompanied by ministers, officials, and representatives of the Telangana Secretariat Employees Association, made the decision to inaugurate the three religious structures simultaneously.
On August 25, the temple will be reopened with the installation of a Nalla Pochamma idol, following Hindu traditions and rituals, in the presence of priests. Simultaneously, the Chief Minister will inaugurate the mosque and church in accordance with Islamic and Christian beliefs, respectively.

It is worth noting that the new secretariat complex was officially inaugurated by CM Rao on April 30. The demolition of the old secretariat, a collection of buildings constructed during different periods, was deemed necessary due to its inadequacy, poor ventilation, and lack of essential facilities, including those for firefighting. Non-compliance with Vastu, an ancient Indian architectural science, was another reason cited for its demolition.
During the demolition, the Nalla Pochamma temple and the mosque that were present within the old secretariat were inadvertently affected. This drew criticism from various quarters, but the Chief Minister expressed regret and clarified that the damage occurred as a result of debris falling on them during the demolition process.
The initiative to rebuild and inaugurate the temple, mosque, and church in the new secretariat complex showcases the Telangana government’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and upholding the values of inclusivity. By embracing all religions and allowing employees to observe their respective rituals, CM Rao aims to promote unity and respect among diverse communities.
The forthcoming inauguration ceremony on August 25 will not only signify the rebuilding of the religious structures but will also serve as a powerful symbol of the state’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage and promoting an atmosphere of religious tolerance and coexistence.