A century of aspirations on flame

The Taj Mahal at Agra is among the seven wonders of the world.
But the Taj Mahal Palace hotel is not very far behind. The state of the art building with a blend of west and mughal architecture is among the elite heritage of India. But its not just its history, it's the motive, the determination and the willingness to fight all odds, that makes this work of masonry so special.
It was during 1900's when Jamsedji Tata was refused entry to one of the city's grand hotels of the time, Watson's Hotel, as it was restricted to 'whites only'(Picture above). When he protested he was thrown out. It was then that he decided to build a hotel around Watson, that would be the most luxurious hotel in the country. And that was how the Taj was born on the 13th day of December 1903. While Watson hotel still exists in dilapidated state, the Taj flourished. It became the first true five star hotel of the time in the entire region. Not just that, its design layout, architecture and ofcourse unparalleled luxury drew attention of many international personalities who couldn't resist but to opt for the ultimate, the Taj. Mick Jagger, Jacques Chirac, The Duke & Duchess of Kent, Joan Collins, The King & Queen of Norway, Marianne Faithfull, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Beatles, Bill Clinton and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to name a few were distinguished guests at the hotel. Even the Queen mother had to fall for the Taj.
Its grandeur, elegance and intricacies give the hotel a character unique to it. But more so it is a sense of pride for every Indian. When it comes to Mumbai, The Taj Mahal hotel in the Apollo bunder is the first thought. It's a thought for prosperity. Its a thought for glory. Its a dream to all of the Indians who dream big. A week back when it was on fire, it certainly wasn't just the timber of the hotel that went up in flames, It was the aspiration of every Indian. It was the pride of Mumbai, the pride of India that was burning. It was a hope, the hope of a glorious India that was burning. The charred remains of the hotel is not just the remainder of the past but also the apathy we face today. How sad we couldn't save our motivation.
But I'm sure, the Taj would rise again to all its glory and strength. We will not let it down. It has to rise from the ashes. It will very soon give us the picture of India we are looking forward to. The India that has stood all odds. The India that will prove the world yet again that no matter what comes our way, we'll stand tall and declare, 'We've arrived'.

Encounter at the hotel

It is sad to see the state of the Taj. And even more gloomy are the number of people killed. Reports suggest most of the killed are hotel employees. The wife and 2 kids of the Genaral Manager of the hotel were killed in the raging fire on the 6th floor. Today he is still in the hotel. Assisting commandos, firemen and his employees. Mr Ratan Tata asked him to take leave. He asked to let him work & that was his life. These are men of honour. Their dedication to work. Their attachment to the work place, their emotions.
The death toll at the Taj alone is said to be more than 150. Official figures are awaited though.

Terror Strikes Mumbai

27th November 2008: Another black day in the history of independent society. Mumbai targeted a third time in 10 years. A man dies at Leopold Cafe celebrating with his friends. He was to marry next week. Prominent landmarks of Mumbai, The TAJ Palace, Trident-Oberoi, CST among others. Any one who has visited Mumbai would have definitely been to all these places and sites which is now all red with blood.
I still remember having dinner at Leopold a year and a half back. It was arround the same time when the firing took place. What a hapenning restaurant it is. Perhaps the terrorists wanted it to be more happening..!! It's such a sunken feeling. And trust me, its not just me, every Indian, every human at heart feels the same.
But there's also a cult in our country who dont feel attached. No prize for guessing.. POLITICIANS.
The recent breed of politicians had never had the feeling Indian-ness, now perhaps have lost humanity. Blame games already started. And as in India we know, linking it to Pakistan is the quickest possible solution. And that is exactly what is being done.
I may agree to links being drawn to our neighbours. But the issue is what is being done about it. The foreign minister says, "Even America had 9/11 and London had to face 7/7". So Mr Minister expects us to keep calm and patient. America attacked Afganistan after 9/11. So, does he mean, he is going for a war with Pakistan? Definitely not.
But for how many more times are we to hear about 'The spirit of Mumbai'. I ask why should mumbai spring back to life, as they have done so many timesin the past? Why should Indians across the nation, in Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and God knows how many more will get added to the list, will have to give up their lives. And our politicians ask us not to giveup.
We do not want to give in to Terrorists. But why should we give in to our Politicians who have turned cannibals.
Its not about getting a breakthrough. What actions are taken not just posthumusly but proactively. And amidst all this, a blame on Pakistan seems just another excuse, another piece of dirty politics.