Ash Performs At '7 Wonders'

NEW DELHI: News channel NDTV, in collaboration with the Union Tourism Ministry's 'Incredible India' campaign, announced the final Seven Wonders of India at a function here on Monday.

The "Seven Wonders" are: the Red Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Nalanda University, Sun Temple of Konark, Meenakshi Temple, Dholavira site and Khajuraho, Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Speaking on the occasion, NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy said: "One has to travel abroad to realise how beautiful India is. It is sad that this was the genesis of starting this campaign. Each State had seven wonders. Viewers voted in lakhs and the whole exercise was the culmination of one year's effort. Our country has 5,000 years of culture. We have to take care of our monuments that are in neglect. Respecting our heritage will go a long way in preserving them for the future generation."

Mr. Roy said the campaign rediscovered some majestic monuments, places of worship, a mausoleum, a university – all representing the country's rich and varied heritage.

While actor Aishwarya Rai, supported by Shiamak Davar's dance troupe, performed to Bollywood numbers, among the audience sat her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, mother-in-law Jaya, husband Abhishek, sister-in-law Shweta Nanda, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and actor Kamal Hassan.

The initiative was taken up in September 2008 to unravel new landmarks and ancient monuments. The campaign celebrates India's incredibly rich heritage by acknowledging the natural and man-made marvels. After the launch of nationwide campaign "Seven Wonders of India," seven top wonders in each State cluster were declared. A top wonder was then chosen as a nominee from each State for the final list.