ID :
32927
Sat, 11/29/2008 - 02:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/32927
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Lifeless Taj hotel bores mute testimony to Mumbai carnage
Mumbai, Nov 27 (PTI) Abuzz with activity till a couple
of days back, a scarred and lifeless Taj hotel, known for its
exquisite architecture, Friday stood in mute testimony to the
havoc wreaked by the terrorists during the bloody siege.
Standing tall, just opposite to the historic Gateway
of India, the heritage hotel bore the brunt of AK 47s and
grenades since Wednesday night.
A landmark, the hotel has a rich history and is
frequented by the rich and famous, perhaps one of the reasons
why it was targeted by the militants.
The Taj was commissioned by the steel man of India,
Jamshedji Tata after, it is said, he was denied entry into one
of the grandest hotels of its time - Watson's Hotel- as it was
meant for 'Whites only'.
It is said that Tata was upset that he wanted to
create his own hotel which would have surpassed Watson's in
all perspective. And thats how India's first super luxury
hotel came into picture.
"The hotel is a symbol of India and it is sad that it
being targeted in such a way. The attack is not just on the
hotel but also on the psyche of modern India," says a senior
executive of another five-star hotel preferring anonymity.
The feeling is visible on the faces of all present
near it, be it curious on-lookers, journalists or policemen.
"Everyone at the Taj Hotels is greatly saddened by
this act of terrorism. Our deepest condolences go out to the
families of those who have lost their lives across the city of
Mumbai," said the Taj Hotels in a statement released Friday.
The company has vowed to rebuild "every inch" that has
been damaged in the terror attack and bring back the
century-old Taj to its full glory.
The, iconic building constructed at a cost of Rs 42
crore, is an architectural marvel and amalgamation of Moorish,
Oriental and Florentine styles.
The grandeur of the Taj attracted many from world
leaders to business tycoons and political bigwigs. Its guest
list includes rock star Mick Jagger, former French President
Jacques Chirac, Prince Charles, The Beatles, former US
president Bill Clinton and rock and roll star Elvis Presley
among others.
Entering the Taj which overlooks the Arabian sea, what
one gets to see is the vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx
columns, beautiful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal
chandeliers, an eclectic collection of furniture, and
a dramatic cantilever stairway.
The hotel never misses to impress a visitor with its
wide collection of art and black and white photographs of some
of their 'whos who' visitors.
"We will bounce back with the same vigour as before
and would infuse a fresh life into our masterpiece. That would
be our way of replying to the dastardly act," a senior
official of the hotel said. PTI
of days back, a scarred and lifeless Taj hotel, known for its
exquisite architecture, Friday stood in mute testimony to the
havoc wreaked by the terrorists during the bloody siege.
Standing tall, just opposite to the historic Gateway
of India, the heritage hotel bore the brunt of AK 47s and
grenades since Wednesday night.
A landmark, the hotel has a rich history and is
frequented by the rich and famous, perhaps one of the reasons
why it was targeted by the militants.
The Taj was commissioned by the steel man of India,
Jamshedji Tata after, it is said, he was denied entry into one
of the grandest hotels of its time - Watson's Hotel- as it was
meant for 'Whites only'.
It is said that Tata was upset that he wanted to
create his own hotel which would have surpassed Watson's in
all perspective. And thats how India's first super luxury
hotel came into picture.
"The hotel is a symbol of India and it is sad that it
being targeted in such a way. The attack is not just on the
hotel but also on the psyche of modern India," says a senior
executive of another five-star hotel preferring anonymity.
The feeling is visible on the faces of all present
near it, be it curious on-lookers, journalists or policemen.
"Everyone at the Taj Hotels is greatly saddened by
this act of terrorism. Our deepest condolences go out to the
families of those who have lost their lives across the city of
Mumbai," said the Taj Hotels in a statement released Friday.
The company has vowed to rebuild "every inch" that has
been damaged in the terror attack and bring back the
century-old Taj to its full glory.
The, iconic building constructed at a cost of Rs 42
crore, is an architectural marvel and amalgamation of Moorish,
Oriental and Florentine styles.
The grandeur of the Taj attracted many from world
leaders to business tycoons and political bigwigs. Its guest
list includes rock star Mick Jagger, former French President
Jacques Chirac, Prince Charles, The Beatles, former US
president Bill Clinton and rock and roll star Elvis Presley
among others.
Entering the Taj which overlooks the Arabian sea, what
one gets to see is the vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx
columns, beautiful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal
chandeliers, an eclectic collection of furniture, and
a dramatic cantilever stairway.
The hotel never misses to impress a visitor with its
wide collection of art and black and white photographs of some
of their 'whos who' visitors.
"We will bounce back with the same vigour as before
and would infuse a fresh life into our masterpiece. That would
be our way of replying to the dastardly act," a senior
official of the hotel said. PTI
