The day after the first anniversary of terror - a city moves on

By Gayatri Makhijani, Mumbai, Nov 27 : The flurry of memorial services, blood donation camps, the moments reliving that terrible carnage a year ago are behind. Friday, Mumbai was its usual self, buzzing with activity and a confidence that no terror attack can quell.

Most students returned to their colleges, and workers were back to their routine schedules.

At the sites that were attacked in the 26/11 carnage last year - Taj Hotel, Chabad House, Leopold Cafe, Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, Oberoi Hotel and Cama Hospital - it was back to work the day after.

At the Leopold Cafe, one of the first sites to be attacked by the terrorists, a candle-light memorial service and a musical programme were held Thursday. But, Friday it was business as usual.

The regulars were back for their coffees, snacks and banter at their all-time old favourite.

For Eliran Russo, a member of the Chabad House and a close friend of the Rabbi couple who were killed last year by the terrorists, the memorial service at the Jewish centre was especially painful.

"Yesterday was our way of showing the world that we are here in Mumbai - to stay. The memorial service was broadcast live on Jewish TV and at all the Chabad centres around the world. Today (Friday), we are planning a quiet, private memorial supper with the family of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and union minister Shashi Tharoor were in attendance at the Chabad House Thursday for the memorial service. It was attended by other members of the Chabad House, the Mumbai Jewish community and several people who flew in from abroad.

Bharat Kapoor donated blood at the Hinduja Hospital Friday morning as a tribute to the victims. "Instead of lighting a candle, donating blood is my way of showing I care. I could not make it yesterday, so I made it a point to mark my tribute today."

Meanwhile, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is ready to focus on the times ahead.

"Yesterday was a very solemn and dignified memorial service where Ratan Tata unveiled the new memorial. A staff interaction was held at the banquet room, to which only members of the staff, their families and the Consulate Generals were invited," Nikhita Palat, public relations manager of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, told IANS.

"At the Taj, we're always looking forward, and our focus is to concentrate on the revival of the hotel," she added.

Among the restaurants, the Golden Dragon was re-opened to patrons on the eve of the 26/11 anniversary (Nov 25), while the Harbour Bar and Wasabi are scheduled to open on Dec 2.

For Priya M., a college student, the memorial service at the Taj Thursday made her re-live the trauma of those 60 hours when 10 terrorists had virtually laid siege to the city.

"It was overwhelming to remember the tragedy which struck this place a year ago. We were all glued to our television sets at this time last year and the gory battle between the terrorists and security forces went on for a full 60 hours," Priya said with a shudder.

A regular visitor to the Taj, Manisha Bulchandani also made a special effort to pay her respects at the hotel.

"It was heartening to see the security force in all its strength in Mumbai Thursday. As citizens, we should stop complaining and appreciate our police force, who are often on their toes round-the-clock when required," she said.

The 26/11 terror attack left 166 people dead and 244 people injured.

--IANS