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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.

India and the Second Trump Era: A Strategic Partnership Ready for the Next Frontier

Updated: Nov 15, 2024

India and the Second Trump Era

Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th President of the United States is not just a political milestone but marks a pivotal moment for India in the international arena. While the U.S. relationship with India has been evolving for decades, Trump’s return could accelerate this shift, deepening ties between the two democracies in a manner that promises mutual strategic and economic gains.


At the heart of this transformation lies India’s remarkable progress in the past decade, which has shifted its role from a partner of convenience to a key player in the global balance of power. Three developments stand out: the Aadhaar revolution, the telecommunication boom, and unprecedented infrastructure growth. With nearly 1.5 billion people now holding a digital identity through Aadhaar, and India on the cutting edge of 5G and 6G technology, the country’s modernization is a game-changer. Add to that the sweeping advancements in transportation, logistics, and digital infrastructure India’s profile has risen dramatically on the world stage.


These changes have not gone unnoticed in Washington. Over the past ten years, the U.S. has increasingly viewed India not just as a buyer of goods and services but as a partner in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The relationship has matured through a series of agreements, particularly in sensitive technology sectors like defence and space exploration. A landmark agreement, signed between the U.S. and India’s security councils, promises joint production in cutting-edge technologies, from microchips to military hardware. America’s willingness to transfer sensitive technology to India - once unthinkable - signals a fundamental shift in U.S. policy.


It is almost axiomatic to say that the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump plays a critical role in this realignment. Their personal chemistry, which was showcased during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Texas, has fostered goodwill at the highest levels. PM Modi’s strategic focus on U.S.-India ties is apparent in the security guarantees the U.S. has extended to India, even going so far as to declare that an attack on India would be regarded as an attack on the U.S. Such high-level assurances reflect the growing strategic trust between the two countries.


If former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had laid the groundwork for stronger India-U.S. ties, it is Narendra Modi who has brought this relationship to its fullest fruition. While the process of rapprochement began two decades ago, PM Modi has injected a sense of dynamism and strategic vision that has reshaped the partnership. The foundation of this evolving relationship has been a growing alignment of mutual interests, particularly in countering China. Under then PM Vajpayee ji, the U.S. began to see India as a crucial counterbalance in Asia, but PM Modi has taken this vision further, solidifying India’s global role.


However, it is important to note that while the U.S. views India as a potential strategic ally akin to its relationships with the U.K. or Japan, India’s stance remains clear: it will cultivate close, friendly relations with the U.S., but it will not enter into a formal alliance. This distinction is critical in understanding the nature of India-U.S. ties today.


India’s independent foreign policy, particularly its nuanced stance on Russia and its strategic autonomy in the region, ensures that the relationship remains one of pragmatic cooperation rather than alliance.

The U.S. has shown signs of adapting to this reality. While the Trump administration will likely continue to push for closer economic and defence ties, it will also have to contend with challenges, particularly in trade. Trump has already promised to raise import tariffs, which could put pressure on Indian exports. Additionally, the significant trade deficit in India’s favour could lead to assertive negotiations on tariffs and market access for U.S. goods.


On the defence front, U.S.-India relations are poised for further growth. In recent months, the U.S. has agreed to transfer critical defence technologies to India, including the manufacturing of American jet engines and Predator drones on Indian soil. These agreements signify that India is no longer just a customer of American arms but a strategic partner in maintaining regional security.


The broader context for these developments is the evolving balance of power in Asia. China’s assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea, poses a direct challenge to U.S. interests, and India’s role as a regional counterweight is vital. In this sense, Trump’s 'America First' policy may increasingly resemble a policy of ‘Asia First’ with India as a key partner in securing America’s interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.


The emerging alignment between the U.S. and India is about more than just countering China. It is also about enhancing both countries’ global competitiveness. As the U.S. seeks to decouple from China in global supply chains, India’s growing industrial base and technological capabilities present an attractive alternative. For both countries, fostering closer economic ties is a win-win, as India’s rise complements America’s long-term economic and strategic interests.


In sum, Trump’s second term could see the U.S.-India relationship enter a new phase of deep operational collaboration. The foundations laid by previous administrations have been solidified under PM Modi’s leadership, and with Trump at the helm, there is potential for even greater synergy. As the global order shifts, India’s strategic importance to the U.S. is only set to grow, with both countries poised to benefit from a more robust and multifaceted partnership.

(The author is BJP National General Secretary. Views Personal)

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