New Delhi: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, chairman emeritus of the Oberoi Group known for transforming the hotel industry in India, passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 94.
“It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus earlier today. His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas,” an official statement said.
PRS Oberoi’s cremation will take place at Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, at 4 pm. He is survived by a son and two daughters.
The Oberoi Group runs a chain of luxury hotels, including The Trident Hotels and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
Affectionately called ‘Biki’, PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi in 1929. He received his education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. He earned a degree in Hotel Management from Lausanne, Switzerland. He was instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi hotels and resorts, according to EIH Limited website.
PRS Oberoi took over as the Chairman of EIH Limited, a flagship company of The Oberoi Group, after the death of his father, Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, in 2002. He was credited for placing Oberoi hotels on the international luxury traveler’s map with the opening of several luxury hotels in Mauritius, Indonesia, and Egypt. He also opened hotels at famous tourist destinations in India. He was the executive chairman of EIH Ltd for a long time when the group flourished, according to reports.
In 2008, PRS Oberoi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the hospitality industry. Additionally, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM ( International Luxury Travel Market), recognising his exceptional leadership and vision.
