The Taj Mahal Hotel, which completed 100 years of existence on Tuesday, will continue as the symbol of India's hospitality and warmth, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata said in Mumbai.

Speaking at a prayer ceremony marking the centenary of the Taj, Tata said the hotel had drawn up plans that provided immense possibilities of growth.

Managing Director of the Indian Hotels Company Raymond Bickson said the company had plans to expand into China, West Asia, North America and Australia.

He said the group welcomed international competition and would attract India's best and brightest talent and select international staff.

The IHC-promoted Taj Group also announced 100 centenary scholarships for underprivileged children in Mumbai and said all the Taj hotels would plant 100 saplings to mark the event.