Rs 50 monthly salary, worked in shoe factory, how did Oberoi, who came from Pakistan built Rs 25000 crore business empire, his business was…

The Oberoi Group operates two publicly listed companies: EIH Limited and EIH Associated Hotels Limited, with a combined market capitalization of Rs 25,000 crore.

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 India

In 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 of AHI, becoming the owner of one of India’s largest hotel chains.

Oberoi’s Expansion 

In 1965, he launched The Oberoi Intercontinental in Delhi, followed by the iconic 35-story Oberoi Sheraton in Mumbai in 1973. These landmark properties gave him a reputation as a brand in luxury hospitality.

Under Oberoi’s leadership, the group expanded to 32 countries, including China, the UAE, the UK, South Africa, and more. Today, the Oberoi Group is known for its luxury and world-class hospitality.

For his contributions to the industry, Mohan Singh Oberoi was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 103.