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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Kolhapur’s Pilgrimage Paradox

Kolhapur: Even as the state government clears the first tranche of Rs 1,500 crore under an ambitious Rs 5,000-crore plan for the development of Kolhapur as a major pilgrimage centre, the ground reality for devotees tells a far less reassuring story. Each month, the temple’s donation boxes swell by an estimated Rs two crore, while crores more lie parked in bank deposits earning interest. Yet, for the thousands who arrive daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Ambabai, the journey to the...

Kolhapur’s Pilgrimage Paradox

Kolhapur: Even as the state government clears the first tranche of Rs 1,500 crore under an ambitious Rs 5,000-crore plan for the development of Kolhapur as a major pilgrimage centre, the ground reality for devotees tells a far less reassuring story. Each month, the temple’s donation boxes swell by an estimated Rs two crore, while crores more lie parked in bank deposits earning interest. Yet, for the thousands who arrive daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Ambabai, the journey to the sanctum begins with an ordeal—walking barefoot on scorching roads under an unforgiving sun. With temperatures in Kolhapur soaring past 40°C, asphalt and concrete roads leading to the temple radiate intense heat. For devotees—many of whom travel hundreds of kilometres—this translates into a painful trek, quite literally. The situation is particularly harsh for senior citizens, who are often seen hopping from one foot to another in a desperate attempt to avoid the burning surface. In such conditions, the absence of even basic protective arrangements raises uncomfortable questions about priorities in pilgrimage infrastructure. Stark Irony The irony is stark. While policy blueprints and financial approvals move through bureaucratic channels, immediate, low-cost interventions remain unaddressed. Simple measures—laying heat-resistant carpets along key approach roads, ensuring regular water sprinkling to cool surfaces, and erecting temporary shaded canopies—could significantly ease the devotees’ distress. Such steps do not demand massive outlays, only administrative initiative. As chairperson of the temple trust, the Kolhapur District Collector is uniquely positioned to catalyse this response. The summer vacation period only amplifies the challenge. Families flock to Kolhapur in large numbers, often combining visits to Ambabai temple with pilgrimages to nearby shrines such as Jyotiba. The surge in footfall transforms the temple precinct into a sea of humanity. Yet, the infrastructure has failed to keep pace. A similar concern was flagged last year as well, with limited, ad hoc relief provided by a few local traders who laid makeshift carpets for their customers. This year, however, little appears to have changed. Humane Pilgrimage The issue, therefore, is not merely administrative—it is collective. The responsibility to ensure a humane pilgrimage experience cannot rest solely with the temple trust or the municipal corporation. Traders and business associations operating in the temple vicinity, who benefit from the steady influx of devotees, must also step forward. Kolhapur has historically demonstrated remarkable civic spirit during festivals such as Navratri and the Rathotsav. Extending that ethos to provide shaded pathways during peak summer would be a meaningful gesture of reciprocity. Across India, leading pilgrimage centres have invested in visitor comfort—air-conditioned waiting areas, chilled drinking water, and clean sanitation facilities are increasingly the norm. In many cases, nominal user charges are levied, and devotees are willing to pay for such services. Kolhapur risks falling behind if it does not address these gaps with urgency. At its core, the issue is one of dignity. Devotion should not come at the cost of physical distress. Until basic amenities are ensured, the promise of transforming Kolhapur into a premier religious tourism hub will remain incomplete. For now, the pilgrim’s experience continues to echo a troubling refrain: first the searing heat beneath the feet, and only then, the grace of the goddess.

Fearless, Always in Command

On May 6, 1929, a child was born in Cavel, between Kalbadevi and Girgaum, Mumbai, who would later inspire confidence in policing and make a difference to people's lives. He would instil fear among Mumbai's underworld, communal rioters in Gujarat and terrorists in Punjab with his strategic planning and tactics. That is Julio Francis Ribeiro for you, who will now turn 97 years.


After his studies at St Xavier's School, Mumbai, he completed B. Com at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and then did Law at Government Law College.


Starting his career as a Sub-Editor with National Standard, he worked there for two years. He then moved on as an Article Clerk with Crawford Bayley for one year.


Joining the Indian Police Service in 1953, Julio Ribeiro had an illustrious career. Posted out of Mumbai at the age of 24, he worked in various districts of Maharashtra and returned back to Mumbai at the age of 40.


He was on deputation to the Central Reserve Police Force for six years from 1973 to 1979 and was the Deputy Inspector General CRP in Hyderabad. Thereafter, after four- and-a-half years in Pune as Deputy Police Commissioner, he was posted in Mumbai as DCP in Zone 3 that included Shivaji Park. Thereafter, he became the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai from 1982 to 1985.


Meteoric Journey

After that, his journey and rise has been meteoric. He moved to Delhi as Director General Central Reserve Police Force in June 1985 but was soon shifted to Ahmedabad as Director General of Police Gujarat, during the communal riots. Having successfully dealt with the problem by locking up the trouble makers, he was made Special Secretary to the Government of India’s Home Department. Before he completed even six months in that position, he was personally called by the then Prime Minister and was sent to Punjab as Director General of Police at the height of terrorism in that State.


Black Thunder

As DGP, the success of Operation Black Thunder - 1 which took place on the night of 30 April 1986 and lasted till the morning of 01 May, 1986 by the National Security Guard, brought him into world focus. At least 122 suspected extremists and terrorists were apprehended at the Golden Temple, Amritsar.


In 1986, he was named India’s Man of the Year by The Telegraph of Calcutta and the fortnightly Frontline published by the Hindu of Madras. New York Times, Time and Newsweek of America also mentioned his contribution to fighting terrorism in Punjab.


He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1987 in recognition of his services to the nation.


Assassination Attempt

On October 3, 1986, Julio Ribeiro, the then-Director General of Punjab Police, survived an assassination attempt by Khalistan Commando Force militants at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters in Jalandhar. Cleverly done, militants dressed in police uniforms and armed with guns arrived in a police jeep at the huge entrance gates at around 6.45 am. Ribeiro who was taking a walk with his wife in the mess compound ducked for cover. Ribeiro received minor injuries while his wife was hospitalised. Two sentries were shot dead. The assailants abandoned the police jeep and escaped in a waiting getaway truck.


Later, Ribeiro became Advisor to the Governor of Punjab when KPS Gill took over as DCP Punjab.


The second part of the operation, code named Operation Black Thunder-2 was conducted from May 10-19, 1988 by the National Security Guard. The tactic of cutting off communication and food supplies for nine days worked and extremists surrendered.


After retirement, Ribeiro served as Indian Ambassador to Romania from 1989 until 1993.


In August 1991, Ribeiro was attacked and wounded in a Bucharest assassination attempt by gunmen identified as Punjabi Sikhs.


Known for his commitment to disciplined service, wherever he was posted, he inspired confidence among the people by treating them with respect, dignity and as equal citizens of the country and getting them on his side. Always open to dialogue, he reasoned things out with his own police force, political and trade union leaders, and the judiciary with clarity and purpose in communication.


Self-Made Man

Having lost his father, Assistant Postmaster General, Mumbai, at the age of eight, Julio Ribeiro is a self-made man. Arranged by his mother, he met his wife Melba, and got engaged two months later. They married on April 25, 1959 at Gloria Church, Byculla, Mumbai. After 63 years of married life, he lost her in 31st October 2022 at the age of 84.


As a child, while residing at Colaba, Julio Ribeiro would play cricket and hockey at the Oval Maidan. After joining the Police Force, he would play various sports with the policemen until the age of 35-40. Thereafter, he would go jogging till the age of 60.


A vegetarian, Julio Ribeiro goes to Church once every week, alternates between his two daughters Anna Saldanha and Nina Engineer for Sunday lunch.


He has authored his memoir 'Bullet for Bullet: My Life as a Police Officer,' in 1998. Julio Ribeiro's second major book is ‘Hope for Sanity: Selected Writings of Julio Ribeiro 2002–2021’, published in 2023. It is a collection of his articles, columns, and reflections on policing, governance, and civic life in India.


(The writer is a resident of Mumbai. Views personal.)

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