Empowering Change Through Technology: The SAKMST Telangana Mobile App Launch 2020

In January 2020, the Somvanshi Arya Kshatriya Maratha Samaj Telangana Trust (SAKMST), Telangana, achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its official mobile application—a visionary step forward in embracing technology to strengthen our community and improve accessibility for all our members. This important initiative was made possible through the generous support of our donors, whose contributions have empowered us to expand our reach and enhance engagement with devotees and supporters across the region and beyond.

A New Era of Digital Transformation

For years, SAKMST has been dedicated to spiritual, cultural, and social service, building a strong foundation of trust and unity among devotees. However, as technology became increasingly embedded in our daily lives, it became evident that leveraging digital tools would enable us to stay connected and relevant, especially for younger generations and geographically dispersed members.

The launch of the SAKMST mobile app marked the beginning of a new chapter—one where technology serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, accessibility and engagement, service and spirituality. The app was developed with the goal of making information, services, and events more easily accessible to all devotees, no matter where they are.

Key Features of the Mobile App

The mobile app was designed with a user-first approach, ensuring simplicity, functionality, and inclusivity. It includes:

• Event Notifications: Users receive timely updates about pujas, festivals, annadanam events, and other community programs.
• Online Donations: Devotees can contribute seamlessly through the app, supporting various charitable initiatives and temple upkeep.
• Membership Management: Members can register, renew, and update their profiles digitally.
• Prayer Requests & Feedback: The app allows devotees to submit prayer requests or offer feedback directly.
• Photo & Video Gallery: A repository of spiritual moments from various events, allowing devotees to revisit and relive cherished memories.

This digital solution provided a one-stop platform for devotees to stay informed, connected, and engaged with SAKMST’s activities year-round.

The Role of Our Generous Donors

The successful launch and smooth operation of the mobile app would not have been possible without the heartfelt support of our donors. Their unwavering belief in our mission and their financial contributions were instrumental in:

• Funding the app’s development and deployment
• Ensuring robust server infrastructure for smooth operation
• Providing ongoing technical maintenance and updates
• Offering the app free of cost to all users

We are deeply grateful to each donor who came forward to support this cause. Their generosity has not only enabled a functional app but has also laid the foundation for broader digital transformation initiatives that SAKMST plans to undertake in the future.

Impact on Member Engagement

The impact of the app was immediate and tangible. Within the first few weeks of its launch, hundreds of devotees downloaded the application, and engagement metrics showed high participation rates. Members who previously relied on word-of-mouth or visits to the temple premises were now able to stay connected with just a tap on their phone.

Elderly devotees found the app easy to navigate, thanks to its intuitive design, while younger users appreciated the convenience and modern feel. Most importantly, the mobile app made it possible for members who had relocated outside Telangana or India to remain involved with SAKMST’s events and seva opportunities.

In a world where time is limited and schedules are busy, the app ensured that no devotee felt left out or disconnected from the spiritual and community activities of SAKMST.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The app also reinforced our commitment to accessibility. With multi-language support and a clean user interface, we ensured that everyone—from tech-savvy youth to elders less familiar with digital tools—could use the app effortlessly. Features such as audio updates and simplified donation steps broke down barriers and helped ensure that no one was left behind.

This initiative aligned with our vision of inclusive spiritual growth, where technology acts as an enabler rather than a divider. Whether someone was looking to register for an upcoming pooja, make a donation during Mandala season, or simply stay updated with temple news, the app brought everything within easy reach.

Looking Ahead

The mobile app’s launch in January 2020 was only the beginning. Since then, we have continued to gather user feedback to make the platform even better. Future updates are planned to introduce live streaming of major events, integration with social media, and enhanced features for volunteer coordination and social service programs.

Gratitude and Commitment

As we reflect on this milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible—our donors, volunteers, technical partners, and the wider SAKMST community. Together, we have proven that when tradition meets technology, the results can be truly transformative.

With your continued support, we look forward to building on this momentum and launching even more initiatives that uphold our values while embracing the possibilities of the digital age.