The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was built in 1903 by the late billionaire business tycoon, Jamsetji Tata. The iconic businessman decided to build it when he wasn't allowed to enter one of Britain's grandest hotels, Watson's Hotel. The staff told Jamsetji Tata that only 'whites are allowed' inside the hotel. Jamsetji Tata took this personally as, in his understanding, it was a massive disrespect for every Indian. As a result, he built a grand hotel and opened its gates to people of all races.
It's fair to say that the luxury hotel has become a cultural reference in India in the last 120 years. For the uninitiated, Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is the first Indian building to get a trademark and joined the likes of global trademarked properties like New York's Empire State Building, Paris' Eiffel Tower, and Sydney's Opera House. As per reports, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel had never closed its doors in over a century, not even during World War II. Unfortunately, on November 26, 2008, the record was broken after a group of terrorists entered the hotel and brutally killed 175 people.
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India's financial capital, Mumbai, was on a standstill for three days, from November 26 to November 29, 2008. While 175 people lost their lives, more than 300 people were severely injured in the terror attacks. For the uninitiated, ten members of the terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out 12 bombing and shooting attacks in different parts of Mumbai. The sole surviving terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, was executed in 2012. Every year on November 26, the entire India comes together to honour the sacrifices of brave soldiers and victims of the terror attacks.
Everyone is aware of what happened during the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, as over the years, we have seen multiple web series, movies, and documentaries being made on the unfortunate event. However, only some people know where Ratan Tata was and what he did when his Taj Mahal Palace was under siege. In an interview with National Geographic, Ratan Tata recalled the tragic 26/11 Mumbai Attacks. He revealed that at 9:35 PM, he received a call from Noshir Soonawalla, the ex-vice chairman of Tata Sons. Soonawalla informed Ratan Tata about the terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal Palace.
After hearing it, Ratan Tata immediately left for the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and decided to enter the hotel to ensure his guests' safety. However, the billionaire businessman was stopped by the officials as sounds of automatic rifles and grenade explosions were coming out from the hotel. Despite Ratan Tata's multiple requests, Mumbai police and NSG officers declined his request and explained to him that if he went inside, chances were high that the terrorists would take him hostage. With a heavy heart, Ratan Tata dropped his idea but didn't return home.
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According to a report in India Today, Ratan Tata waited outside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for three days until the operation was completed. A staff member lauded Ratan Tata for standing tall with the staff and management outside the hotel on the pavement until the operation was concluded. At a time when people were scared to come out of their homes, Ratan Tata was out on the pavement with his staff to support them at that heartbreaking time. Once again, Ratan Tata proved that he was a true leader, who believed in talking with his actions rather than words.
Ratan Tata formed a trust, The Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT), to support the families of people, who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. According to a report on BBC, Ratan Tata visited the homes of the people who were killed in the terror attack and ensured their financial well-being. The legendary businessman passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 due to an old age-related illness.
What are your thoughts on the way Ratan Tata acted during and after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks? Let us know.
Also Read: When Indian Billionaire, Gautam Adani Was 15 Feet Away From Death During The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
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