In an attempt to provide immediate relief to all victims of the recent Mumbai terror attacks, the Taj Group today announced the setting up of a public service welfare trust fund. The company has witnessed an outpouring of emotional support from well-wishers in India and across the globe, both for the restoration of the hotel and to offer relief for those affected by the attacks. In response to this, the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPS Welfare Trust) was set up with the objective of immediate relief to all victims of the recent attacks, including the families of those who were killed -- be it the general public, the security forces, employees of the Taj or other establishments affected by the terrorists.

The trustees of the fund include Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata, vice-chairman of Indian Hotels Company Ltd R. K. Krishna Kumar and Tata Group vice-chairman N. A. Soonawala. Besides this, the Sir Dorab Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust will make significant initial contributions.

Applications are being made to obtain approvals, including from the government for receiving foreign donations, so that the trust can start immediate relief measures.

The statement said that the welfare trust would continue to discharge its mandate in the coming years, specifically offering relief to victims of sudden acts of violence, natural disasters and other tragic events that inflict damage on life and property.