PRS Oberoi, pioneer of Indian hospitality industry, passes away at 94

The Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi passed away on Tuesday, November 14 morning. He was 94 years old. Popularly known as "Biki", Oberoi had retired from his positions as executive chairman of EIH Ltd and chairman of EIH Associates Hotel Limited. The Oberoi Group runs a chain of luxury hotels, including The Trident Hotels and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

Oberoi is known for transforming the hospitality industry in India. He received his education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. He earned a degree in Hotel Management from Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2008, Oberoi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

He is survived by his son Vikram, CEO and managing director of EIH, and two daughters. Oberoi was recognised by the International Hospitality Institute in the Global 100 in Hospitality as one of the Most Powerful People in the Global Hospitality industry.

PRS Oberoi received numerous awards and accolades, amongst the most noteworthy the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the country in tourism and hospitality. Additionally, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM ( International Luxury Travel Market), recognising his exceptional leadership and vision.

Mourning the death of PRS Oberoi, the Oberoi Group said that the Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group left an indelible mark on the hotel industry.

The cremation ceremony will be held at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, starting at 4.00 pm today. Additionally, prayers will be held for him at our hotels and the Corporate Office today, a press note released by the Oberoi Group said.

The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, operates 32 hotels, Nile Cruisers. According to the website of the Oberoi Hotels, the group has a presence in 7 countries under the luxury 'Oberoi' and five-star 'Trident' brands. The group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management, and corporate air charters.

Prominent personalities from across fields of life expressed grief on PRS Oberoi’s demise. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee took to X, formerly Twitter, and talked about Oberoi’s links with the state of West Bengal. 

She tweeted, “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.”

Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar talked about Oberoi’s contribution to the hospitality industry and posted on X, “Without doubt, the man who put Indian hospitality and service on the global map.”

Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra also expressed his condolences on Oberoi’s death and praised him for the way he was able to resume operations at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai after the 26/11 attacks.

Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog took to X, formerly Twitter, and said that Oberoi was among the greatest hoteliers the world has seen.