Stop! This is not an appeal beseeching you to elect the Taj as one of the new seven wonders of the world. The bigger question to me is - do we, as Indians deserve to see the Taj as one of the new seven wonders of the world? Controversial opinion? Let me help with the thought process.
Have you ever seen the Taj in the state that it is in, now? The marble used in the construction was milk white - is it now? it’s a dirty brown, courtesy of the many polluting factories in the vicinity of the place. the Yamuna river runs by the Taj - dirty, black and pollutant laden. ‘Wonder of the world’ material? you tell me…!!
Walk down the place and the first things you see on the walls are those dirty paan stains, and engraved messages of ever lasting love - not that of shah jahan and mumtaz, but that of the visitors. Yeah… it’s just a free for all message board…!
Now, look at every historical monument in India - isn’t it more or less the same at all the places? Historical treasures lie in neglect amidst dirt and filth - totally uncared for except a discerning few who can do nothing to stop the deterioration.
So, I ask again - does the common Indian population, who don’t think twice before doling out such a treatment, deserve to have the Taj as one of the seven wonders? It’s like rubbing salt into an open wound.
I can’t help bringing in a comparison with the other potential candidates in the fray. Look at how their countrymen revere them! I have personally visited the statue of liberty and I’m sorry to say, we have a lot to learn. Another example - the WTC memorial site. Right now, it looks like a massive construction site with nothing there…!! such an open area anywhere in India would become a garbage dump in a few weeks…! You have to stand there amongst the people to really feel how special that place is.
You may feel that I’m being very unpatriotic because of my views - sadly, this is reality!
If you still want to give the populace a privilege they don’t deserve, by all means head over to www.new7wonders.com and vote. I am not doing it.
The news channels, as usual have no other work…!