Sunday, July 08, 2007

Taj jubilation in India

Agra/Delhi: The city of Taj led the celebrations on the monument of love being named as one of the new Seven Wonders, with the custodian of heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India terming it as a vindication of the marble marvel's standing in the world.

Groups and enthusiastic youngsters distributed sweets and set off fireworks in Agra on its inclusion in a global poll as the announcement was made in the wee hours of the day in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

The visitors to the monument were garlanded today by representatives of the city hotels association.

"We did not officially participate in the campaign, but we are happy that Taj has made it among the Seven Wonders in the world-wide poll," C Babu Rajeev, consultant with the ASI and formerly the directorgeneral, said.

Terming the selection as a "positive development", he said it will help in tourism promotion and draw more attention to the 17th century monument of love. It will also increase the responsibility of the ASI, he said.

"India's pre-eminence as a votary of universal brotherhood and love has been long established. The inclusion of Taj Mahal, the symbol of eternal love, in the list of the Seven Wonders has reinforced India's position as a nation dedicated to the ideal of love and peace," .

New Seven Wonders: Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Statue of Christ Redeemer, Chichen Itza pyramid, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Rome and Jordan's Petra.

No comments: