|
 The
Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai, celebrated the finale of its centenary year
on December 16 with a multi-religion prayer ceremony that was held in every Taj
hotel across India in the presence of staff members and well-wishers. These
prayer ceremonies were followed by various charitable acts, held in association
with various NGOs, across every hotel in the Taj chain. In addition, every Taj
hotel across India planted 100 saplings.
In Mumbai, the grand old lady
of Indian hospitality entered a new era in the presence of Ratan Tata, chairman;
R K Krishna Kumar, vice chairman; Raymond Bickson, managing director, The Indian
Hotels Co Ltd; and other staff.
At The Taj Mahal Palace and
Tower the celebrations included dance performances by underprivileged children
from the NGO ‘Save the Children of India’ (STCI) and a special lunch for
underprivileged children.
 In
Chennai, a multi-religion prayer ceremony was held at all the three Taj
properties – Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara and Fisherman’s Cove. The prayer
was followed by light entertainment for the inmates of Mercy Homes and HelpAge
India. Xmas carols, mimicry shows, screening of the film, ‘The Taj of Apollo
Bunder’ – the special guests enjoyed every moment of it. The guests were
also treated to a special lunch.
Raymond Bickson said, “It is
indeed a great honour and very proud moment for all of us to be a part of the
Taj family in its centenary year. The Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, has left an
indelible mark on the hospitality industry and is today recognised as a symbol
of India. It has been witness to and played host to the some of the greatest and
most memorable events and personalities from across the world. We look forward
to another glorious centenary of hospitality from this grand hotel.”
 He
added, “Over the past century, Taj has made a conscious effort to reach out to
voluntary organisations through the support of their fund-raising activities. On
the completion of the 100th year of our flagship hotel, all of us at the Taj
reiterate our commitment to give back to the community in every possible way.”
The Taj Mahal Palace &
Tower, Mumbai, was launched December 16, 1903, by Jamshedji N. Tata, the founder
of India’s premier business house – the Tata Group. Tata believed that
Bombay (now Mumbai), the commercial capital of India, required a grand hotel,
one that would enhance its reputation amongst the great cities of the world.
Since its launch, the hotel has become an intrinsic part of the city’s life.
|
