When you think of luxury hotels in India, the Oberoi Group is likely one of the first names that comes to mind. Known for its elegance, exceptional service, and unparalleled standards, Oberoi Hotels has carved out a name for itself on the global stage. Behind this success is the remarkable journey of its founder, Mohan Singh Oberoi—a man who overcame enormous challenges and used sheer determination and business acumen to build a hotel empire.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Mohan Singh Oberoi was born in 1898 in a small village in Punjab, India. Life wasn’t easy for young Mohan. He lost his father at a young age, leaving his family with little financial security. But even in the face of hardship, Mohan’s resilience shone through. He pursued his education, a rare privilege for many at the time, and took the initiative to learn English, which would later prove to be instrumental in his career.
He worked in various odd jobs, including a shoe factory, where he gained valuable managerial experience. But his aspirations were higher, and he knew that he needed a breakthrough to move ahead.
A Life-Changing Move to Shimla
In 1922, Mohan moved to Shimla with little more than hope and determination. There, he sought a job at the prestigious Cecil Hotel. Although initially rejected, his English skills impressed the manager, who ultimately hired him as a clerk. Mohan proved his dedication and work ethic, learning every aspect of hotel operations, from guest services to management. His impressive performance led to several promotions, and he quickly became an invaluable asset to the hotel.
From Employee to Owner
Mohan’s journey from employee to entrepreneur began when the Cecil Hotel’s manager opened another establishment, Clarks Hotel, and invited Mohan to join as a partner. Mohan’s innovative ideas and strategic decisions increased the hotel’s occupancy, boosting its revenue. Demonstrating his knack for turning a business around, he eventually acquired the hotel, making a bold move by selling his wife’s jewelry and securing a loan to finance the purchase.
Transforming the Grand Hotel, Calcutta
In 1938, Mohan took another bold step by leasing the Grand Hotel in Calcutta, a property that was infamous for a typhoid outbreak. Determined to succeed, he undertook extensive renovations, introducing strict hygiene protocols and a commitment to excellent service. His efforts transformed the hotel from a place with a poor reputation to one of the most popular hotels in the city. During World War II, the British Army occupied the Grand Hotel for its soldiers, providing Mohan with a highly profitable arrangement that further solidified his business.
Expansion and the Rise of the Oberoi Brand
After his success with the Grand Hotel, Mohan expanded his horizons by acquiring the Associate Hotels of India, a consortium of high-end properties, which included none other than the Cecil Hotel in Shimla—the place where he’d once sought employment. This was a full-circle moment, one that symbolized how far he had come.
Intent on making his hotels world-class, Mohan embarked on a world tour to study luxury hotels and adopted global best practices for his properties. He also introduced palace hotels to India, converting royal residences into luxurious accommodations—a pioneering concept at the time.
Conquering Mumbai and Standing Tall Against the Competition
In the 1970s, India’s hotel industry was becoming more competitive, especially with the rise of Taj Hotels. Undeterred, the Oberoi Group expanded to Mumbai, opening the iconic Oberoi Hotel at Nariman Point. The hotel soon became a symbol of luxury, cementing Oberoi’s reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry.
The Legacy of Excellence
Today, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is known globally for its elegance, top-notch service, and opulence. Mohan Singh Oberoi’s story is more than a tale of business success; it is an inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and vision. From a young boy with limited means in Punjab to the founder of one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, Oberoi’s life reminds us of the power of dreams, hard work, and the courage to forge one’s path.
Whether you’re staying at an Oberoi property for business or leisure, remember that each luxurious detail, each touch of refined service, is the result of one man’s extraordinary journey. Mohan Singh Oberoi’s life is a testament to what can be achieved when one dares to dream, regardless of the odds.