A new dawn8230;

The iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, attacked and set afire by terrorists last month, will soon be back on its feet and back in business.

The iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, attacked and set afire by terrorists last month, will soon be back on its feet and back in business. The historic hotel, along with Trident will throw open its doors for guests on December 21 thus defeating the objective of the terrorists and all other divisive forces. We asked some Puneites who8217;ve been Taj regulars on their memories of the place and on its speedy recovery from the mammoth tragedy it witnessed.

Mohan Agashe, Actor
Reopening of Hotel Taj is not only an official move but it also echoes our victory over fear. Fear holds you back in life and we cannot let this happen. We did not quit traveling in trains after the bomb blast in 1997, then why should we give up going to Taj. I went to Taj last month and I would love to go there again. Its high time media evaluates and plans the coverage by the class of people affected. Why not take this as a lesson and take our own responsibility.

Monika Trivedi, Columnist
It8217;s great to hear about the re-opening of the Taj. I8217;ve some really fond memories of the hotel. My marriage ceremonies were held there and ever since I was a little girl, I8217;d wished just that. Though what happened in Mumbai was most unfortunate, the re-opening only reflects the spirit of resilience, which is characteristic of Mumbaikars.

Neerav Panchamiya, Operations Head, E-Square Multiplex
A lot of my friends were married at the Taj. I used to go to the nightclub there and have spent some great times at its precincts. The reopening shows that terrorists can only cause temporary harm to the spirit of the people, they cannot break it completely. The way the taj management has sprung back into action is remarkable.

Nalini Sengupta, Educationist, Principal, Vidya Valley School
Although the way in which the iconic Taj was reduced to a mass of flame and smoke was terrible, it8217;s welcome news to hear that the hotel is throwing open its doors for guests once again. I remember the grand, majestic staircase of the hotel, which was really impressive. Also, going to the cake shop at the Taj was a must during our visits there. It8217;s good to know the Taj is going to be functional again.

Lila Poonawalla, Chairperson of Lila Poonawalla Trust
It would feel good to go back to the same place where we have spent many unforgettable moments. It is our country and if can get affected by the troubles why not celebrate the good moments. Do we not come over any family bereavement? Life has to go on. There is no reason as why should we be scared to go back to the place. I was always confidant of the security at Taj. Whatever happened, it could happen in our city as well. The place should, by no means, be avoided or feared. We need to combat the happening and first step is to be firm and strong.

Jahnavi Dhariwal, MD, Manikchand Nandadeep
Its good that Taj is reopening, but to me it is hard to back probably I would not go there. I had a lot of good memories associated with Hotel Taj particularly the old extension, but now I just get reminded of the tragedy. I have spent many good times with my friends and family at Taj, from a small occasion of a get together to a party, we have enjoyed everything but all that is now overshadowed by the painful memories.