When we think of luxury hotels in India, the name Oberoi Hotels instantly comes to mind. Known for impeccable service, timeless elegance, and world-class hospitality, The Oberoi Group has become a symbol of excellence in the global hotel industry. But behind this success stands one extraordinary man — Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the founder who transformed India’s hospitality landscape forever.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings
Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi was born on August 15, 1898, in Bhaun, Punjab (now in Pakistan). His father passed away when he was just six months old, leaving the family to struggle financially. Despite the odds, young Oberoi pursued his education in Rawalpindi and later in Lahore.
When a plague struck Lahore, he moved to Shimla, the summer capital of British India, in search of work. With no money and limited opportunities, he found his first job at The Cecil Hotel, Shimla, as a front desk clerk earning only INR 50 per month.
Ironically, this very hotel—today known as The Oberoi Cecil—would later become one of the crown jewels of his empire.
The Making of a Hotelier
At Cecil Hotel, his intelligence, enthusiasm, and dedication caught the attention of the manager, Mr. Grove. He went beyond his duties, learning every aspect of hotel management. Later, under his mentor Mr. Clarke, he gained more experience at Clarkes Hotel, Shimla.
These early experiences became the foundation of his entrepreneurial vision.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
In 1934, Mohan Singh Oberoi acquired his first hotel — Clarkes Hotel, Shimla. To finance this, he mortgaged his wife’s jewelry and all his assets.
Just four years later, in 1938, he took over the struggling Grand Hotel in Calcutta (now Kolkata), a massive 500-room property that had nearly shut down due to a cholera outbreak. With determination, he turned it into one of the city’s most profitable luxury hotels.
By 1943, he had acquired controlling interest in Associated Hotels of India (AHI), which owned iconic properties such as Cecil and Maidens in Delhi. This made him the first Indian to run the country’s largest hotel chain.
Pioneering International Hospitality
Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi was not just a businessman; he was a visionary pioneer.
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1965 – Opened The Oberoi InterContinental, New Delhi, India’s first modern luxury hotel in partnership with an international brand.
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1966 – Founded The Oberoi School of Hotel Management (now Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development), considered India’s premier hospitality institute.
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1959 – Introduced flight catering in India through Oberoi Flight Services, supplying world-class meals to international airlines.
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Founded Mercury Travels, a leading travel agency in India.
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Broke traditions by employing women in hotels, which was revolutionary in Indian hospitality at the time.
These initiatives shaped modern Indian tourism and hospitality, making Oberoi Hotels synonymous with luxury and innovation.
Awards and Global Recognition
Over his lifetime, Mr. Oberoi received numerous prestigious awards and honors, including:
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Rai Bahadur Title (1943) – Conferred by the British Government.
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Hall of Fame, American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
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Man of The World Award, International Hotel Association, New York.
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Order of The Republic, First Class, President of Egypt.
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Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration, International Management Centre, UK.
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Featured as Newsweek’s Elite Winner (1978).
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PHDCCI Millennium Award (2000).
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Padma Bhushan (2001), one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Legacy of The Oberoi Group
Today, The Oberoi Group operates luxury hotels and resorts across India and abroad, known for their elegance, personalized service, and world-class standards. From Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur to The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, each property reflects his philosophy of combining Indian hospitality with international luxury.
Despite his monumental success, Mr. Oberoi remained humble until his passing in May 2002, at the age of 103. He often said:
“I have been able to accept the challenge and make good. There is comfort in knowing that whatever little I have achieved has also helped to raise the prestige of my country.”
Why Oberoi Hotels Stand Out Today
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Exceptional service & attention to detail.
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Architectural brilliance blending tradition and modernity.
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Luxurious wellness and spa experiences.
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Culinary excellence with global and Indian flavors.
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Sustainability and eco-conscious practices in hospitality.
The Oberoi Group continues to rank among the best hotel brands in India and worldwide, carrying forward the founder’s vision.
Conclusion
Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi’s journey is more than the story of a successful businessman — it is the story of resilience, vision, and the transformation of Indian hospitality. His life proves that with hard work and determination, one can rise from humble beginnings to global recognition.
For anyone exploring the history of luxury hotels in India, his name shines as one of the greatest pioneers of the industry.
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