New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) Often credited with pioneering the Indian hospitality industry, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 94.
Former Chairman of Oberoi Hotels, the legendary hotelier has left a rich legacy behind him.
Born in 1929 in New Delhi, P.R.S. Oberoi was educated in India, the United Kingdom and in Switzerland. In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, Oberoi was instrumental in establishing Oberoi Hotels and Resorts as a luxury brand.
“P.R.S. Oberoi is credited with placing Oberoi hotels on the international luxury travellers map with the opening of several luxury hotels in important cities,” reads the Oberoi Hotels website.
During his lifetime, P.R.S. Oberoi received many awards and accolades for his contribution in the field of hospitality sector. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan award, India’s second highest civilian honour in 2008.
Tributes poured in for the business tycoon from industrialists, politicians and several who’s who of the country.
“He made ‘Oberoi’ a global byword for the Indian luxury hospitality experience and the first to put an Indian hotel on the very top of global rankings. He also rallied the group heroically but quietly post the 26/11 attack on their Mumbai flagship,” wrote Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra on micro-blogging site X.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended condolences to Oberoi family and friends.
“Saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan PRS Oberoi, Chairman of the Oberoi group, and the hospitality tycoon of India. He was trained in Darjeeling and his achievements have been inextricably linked to West Bengal. We shall all feel the irreparable loss. Condolences to the family, friends and admirers,” she wrote on X.
PRS Oberoi, popularly known as “Biki”, was the son of late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group.
