The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognized luxury hotel chain operating in seven countries, has earned a brand name in the hospitality industry. Behind this empire there is an inspirational story of its founder, Mohan Singh Oberoi. Mohan Singh Oberoi was born in Jhelum, now in Pakistan.
He lost his father at a young age and responsibility of supporting his family came on him. He started working in his uncle’s shoe factory. However, the factory closed during the partition riots and leaving everything behind and he moved to India.
New Beginnings In IndiaIn Shimla, Oberoi began working as a receptionist at the Cecil Hotel. Despite earning just Rs 50 a month, his commitment for the work impressed his British manager. He started managing the hotel’s accounts and gained more experience in the hospitality industry.
Years later, when his manager purchased a smaller hotel, Oberoi was offered the opportunity to oversee its operations. This became a turning point in his life.In 1934, Oberoi decided to use his savings and by selling his wife’s jewelry, he purchased the hotel he once managed.
It was the Clarkes Hotel in Shimla. This is where he started his new journey as a hotelier. The profits from Clarkes Hotel, Oberoi used to clear his debts and acquire a larger hotel in Kolkata.
He later invested in shares of the Associated Hotels of India (AHI), which owned several prominent hotels in Shimla, Delhi, Lahore, Murree, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. By 1943, Oberoi gained control .
