Long live this spirit
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The Spirit of Mumbai
Almost 20 months after a few Pakistani terrorists damaged it severely on November 26, 2008, killing 36 people, Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Mumbai, described by its chairman Ratan Tata as a 'venerable old lady' will be reopened on India's 62nd Independence Day on August 15.
The reopening of the Tata Group's flagship property is an announcement of India's resilience. It is an announcement to the world that some terrorists here and there can spoil some party or destroy some buildings. But no one can ever destroy the undying spirit of the people of this country.
A few savage Pakistani terrorists had blasted a 10 kg RDX-laden IED following which the red dome of the Taj was engulfed by fire as also some portions of the building. Immediately after the incident, Ratan Tata had then vowed to build the Taj brick by brick. "We will rebuild every inch," is what he had said on the reopening of the tower wing of the hotel.
Now it has come true. The new and renovated Taj will open its doors to its guests this Sunday when the country celebrates its 62nd Independence Day.
The grand hotel's heritage wing, overlooking the Arabian Sea, will open with 280 rooms, including 42 grand suites, initially. The rest five such as the Pt Ravi Shankar and Tata suites, will open in September as they have not been refurbished completely. The Ravi Shankar suite is the same room where the sitar maestro used to teach Beatle-member George Harrison. In the room is a prized possession, a sitar, which was donated by Ravi Shankar.
The Tata suite, with markrana marble flooring, will be kept reserved for the chief captains of states and countries. While the executive suites have a tariff of 80,000 onwards, the theme suites' prices are on request.
The Taj is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles of architecture. From Belgian chandeliers to Goan Christian artifacts, the Taj incorporates a myriad artistic styles and tastes.
The 280-room flagship hotel, which has been standing tall since 1903, has been undergoing extensive renovation after the terror attacks. A total of 175 crore ($37.3 million) has been spent repairing, restoring and upgrading the wing.
The 'old lady' is still strong and standing tall, 20 months after a few Pakistani terrorists damaged it severely on November 26, killing 36 people, Ratan Tata said.
The reopening has reinvigorated the people's resolve, rekindled their spirit and reinvented the magic to maintain and keep alive the beauty of the 'old lady'.
Long live this spirit.
