Sarkozy honours two hotel executives for 26/11 bravery

MUMBAI - French President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday presented medals to two executives of the Taj and Oberoi hotels whose courage and dedication helped save a large number of lives during the 26/11 Mumbai attack.

Karambir Kang, the general manager of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and Devendra Bharma, executive vice president of the Oberoi Hotel, were honoured with the D’officier De L’ordre National Du Merite (Officer of National Order of Merit) for their conduct during the attack.

Kang, who lost his wife and two sons in the attack on the hotel, stayed at his post throughout the 60-hour siege and helped guide over 1,000 guests, including French nationals, to safety, despite his loss.

Bharma tirelessly helped the staff to ensure the safety of the guests during the attack on the Oberoi hotel. Afterwards, he zealously tried to restore the hotel to its former glory and made it his personal mission that the Oberoi reopened in the first quarter of this year with the same finesse.

At least 166 people, including two French nationals, were killed in the November 26-29, 2008 attack by 10 Pakistani terrorists who sneaked into the city from the sea.