Unprecedented events of terror attacks on Mumbai in the past few days have put the
city through unexpected ordeals. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is one of more than
ten locations where the battle unfolded. Such a phenomenon of terrorism is a new-age
crisis that has become a reality in many geographies of the world.
This site has been established by us to provide timely information on the terrible
events that took place during the indiscriminate terrorist attacks on the city of
Mumbai that commenced on Wednesday 26th November.
The site will periodically provide information updates, an online book of condolence
and a channel for the many people who have offered commendations and support for
the families of the many brave and innocent people who lost their lives during the
attack.
07:30 pm IST, December 21, 2008
THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE AND TOWER REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD
Mumbai, December 21, 2008: At 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, 21st December, the first guests checked back in to The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. The hotel also witnessed tremendous support for its celebrated restaurants, 5 of which welcomed their first diners at 7:30 p.m. on December 21st. Each of these restaurants received full bookings for the evening. The reopening of the hotel's Tower Wing, took place 24 days after the terrorist attack on the city of Mumbai.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Indian Hotels Company Ltd., said: "Today has been an incredibly moving day. The Taj has been reopened, after a massive concerted effort, in dedication to all of those who lost their lives in the attacks on Mumbai."
"We have heard many stories of magnificent courage and selfless service, not just in the acts of the police and security forces, but also by the staff of the hotel. They have set new standards that we can only hope to aspire to".
The Tree of Life, a memorial in salutation to all of those who lost their lives in the hotel during the terrorist attacks that commenced on the night of November 26th, was also unveiled at the hotel today. The names of the thirty one fallen will be inscribed at its base to bear permanent witness to those brave and innocent people.
"The loss of life across the city of Mumbai during the attacks was an incomprehensible tragedy. Thirty one people died during the attack on our hotel. Some were our innocent guests, some were our selfless staff and some were the courageous members of the police and security forces. We felt that it was fitting and proper for there to be a symbol of permanent remembrance for all of those who fell within the building", said Raymond Bickson, MD and CEO, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.
The basis of the memorial is an artwork designed by Jaidev Baghel. The Tree of Life formed part of the hotel's art collection and originally stood on the fifth floor Grand Staircase area, under the dome where it withstood and survived the attack unscathed. This sculpture, approximately six feet tall is made of Brass, Bronze and Alloy casting. The Tree of Life is a powerful symbol for many cultures and is often related to immortality. The memorial to the people who lost their lives in the hotel is not therefore a symbol of loss, but a symbol of life in all its potency.
"We truly appreciate the efforts, dedication and the instances of courage which have been displayed by the various agencies during the crisis faced by the entire city, and I applaud all the policemen, firemen, medical services, navy and NSG commandos involved in reclaiming and returning the hotel. The efforts of our staff to allow us to reopen in such a magnificent and dignified fashion have also been utterly magnificent, adds Mr. Tata."
As a result of the attacks, the Taj has launched a fund to support all the victims of the attacks, not just at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, but also across the entire city.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said: "There is still much work to do, but we are all determined to rebuild the Taj brick by brick until it outshines even its former glories".
11:30 am IST, December 15, 2008
The Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (Click here to view the ad / contact details)
During the unprecedented attack on Mumbai between November 26 and 29, 2008, many people from the security forces, the police, fire service, hotel employees, guests of the Taj and general public were killed or wounded. In the aftermath of this terror attack, the Taj Group has witnessed an outpouring of emotional support from well-wishers in India and across the globe, both for the restoration of the hotel and to offer relief for those affected by the attack. In response to this, the Taj Group has set up a public service welfare Trust fund named - “Taj Public Service Welfare Trust” (TPS Welfare Trust).
The objective of the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust is to provide immediate relief to all victims of the recent attack, including to the families of those who were killed - be it the general public, the security forces, employees of the Taj or employees of other establishments affected by the terrorists. This Trust will continue to discharge its mandate in the coming years, specifically covering relief to victims of sudden acts of violence, natural disasters, and other tragic events that inflict damage to life and property. Applications are being made to obtain various approvals including Government approvals for receiving foreign donations so that the Trust can commence immediate relief measures.
Besides IHCL, the Sir Dorab Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust have committed a significant initial contribution to the Trust. A Board of Trustees has been formed for this Trust comprising of the following:
- Mr Ratan Tata
- Mr R.K. Krishna Kumar
- Mr N.A. Soonawala
- Mr R.N. Bickson
- Mr A.P. Goel
- Mr A. Mukerji
Intended beneficiaries of the Trust as well as individuals or companies wishing to donate are invited to send their requests/proposals to the address given below:
The Taj Public Service Welfare Trust
Mandlik House, 2nd Floor
Mandlik Road
Colaba
Mumbai 400 001
Tel: +91-22-66395515
Fax: +91-22-22027442
Email: tpswtrust@tajhotels.com
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