Feelings of a Chinese scribe who stayed at the Taj

Shock. Dismay. Pain. No word can describe my feelings at the terror attacks in Mumbai, where I stayed for two nights while covering President Hu Jintao's state visit to India a couple of winters ago.

The beautiful and stately Taj Mahal Hotel has played host to countless heads of state, and it was here that President Hu stayed when he visited Mumbai. He delivered a keynote speech, encouraging Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs to cooperate for the mutual economic growth of their countries.

It was at this hotel that Hu met with the sister and other family members of Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis, who sacrificed his life helping us Chinese fight the Japanese invaders during World War II.

So seeing dark plumes of smoke billowing out of the windows of the heritage hotel welled up an indescribable feeling of sadness within me. Seeing the southern part of Mumbai battered made me feel as one of the invisible victims of mindless violence, for I have wandered its streets and neighborhoods for hours.

The images are still vivid. After walking out of the Taj's main entrance, I found myself facing the sea. The Gateway of India stood witness to a part of India's long history. This is a favorite haunt of international tourists and Indian tourists, where they converge for that keepsake photograph.

From there, I walked northward, passing by a statue of Swami Vivekananda, a great thinker revered by Indians. Near a huge banyan tree, I found myself among scores of students of Bombay University who were shuttling between classes. (The university retains its old name even after the city underwent a name change.)

As I walked further, I passed by shops, restaurants, banks a primary school and several residential compounds punctuated with small gardens at street corners. I saw local people going about their business - white-collar employees, teachers, students or business people.

That part of Mumbai showcases a booming metropolis in commercial, economic and cultural terms, where people are proud of their urbanity and sophistication.

As I see (on TV) those very shops and establishments closed and the area under siege, I can't help praying for the safety of all who live and work there, in other parts of Mumbai, the rest of India and the world beyond.

(China Daily 11/28/2008 page11)