Within a fortnight from now, the voting for a new list of the ‘seven wonders of the world’ will close. It is going to be the people’s choice this time. However, the voters can be only those who are interested lot and who can use cells for SMS or Internet for e-voting. The results will be known in Lisbon on July 7 in perhaps a grand function.

The Taj Mahal in Agra was among the 21 monuments short-listed last year for the global poll. The poll is organised by The ‘New Seven Wonders Foundation‘, a privately funded Switzerland-based organisation.

The inclusion of Taj depends if somehow a lot of SMSs and e-voting in its favour can be managed to reach the organising agency. This may be a test of the nation-based preference of those in the country and abroad with an access to mobile-phone connections and Internet. Why is it not coming? Is it because either they don’t know about Taj, or about this voting or don’t care to vote? SMS voters, incidentally, can vote as many times as they like. Should some with zeal make it a mission and get into sending continuously SMSs in favour of Taj? Unfortunately, those voting on the Net can register their vote only once, and so I can’t help Taj in unscrupulous way. I Media Corp Ltd is trying to galvanise public support for the Taj. And that may be reason that on all the TV channels and print media, you can see the appeal.

At long last, Ambika Soni, the tourism minister has today appealed for vote for the monument. However, it is only some private or NGOs endeavour that too, soon enough and intense one can make Taj win a place. Some nations have taken it as real serious task. While some consider it a disgrace to make its monument compete for a place.

As reported, Brazil’s President Lula de Silva used a radio address to tell people how to vote for Rio’s statue of Christ the Redeemer. The government of Peru has opened computer terminals in public plazas to encourage people to vote for Machu Pichu.

If the Taj gets the ”seven wonder” tag, Taj will get publicity without making any investment. The Taj, as on today, is competing with Greece’s Acropolis, Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Brazil’s Statue of Christ The Redeemer and Jordan’s Petra.

The Great Pyramids of Giza is the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, and are assured of keeping their status in addition to the new seven. Now, the race is open for all the seven spots with 20 contenders.

07/07/07 decides whether Taj keeps its date with history. And so, why not vote for Taj, if you have not.

I have done that, and wish that all like me should do it (Please SMS or use the link). It’s after all a good cause.