Inspiring Story: From a Simple Clerk to a Hotel Empire Owner
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s biggest hotel brands, with 31 luxury hotels across India and other countries. But did you know that its founder, Mohan Singh Oberoi, started his journey as a hotel clerk earning just ₹50 per month?
With hard work, smart decisions, and big risks, he built a successful business. In fact, to buy his first hotel, he had to pawn his wife’s jewelry. Today, the Oberoi Group employs more than 12,000 people and is known for world-class hospitality.
Struggled for a Job, Started as a Clerk
Mohan Singh Oberoi was born in Punjab and completed his studies in Rawalpindi. Later, he moved to Shimla in search of work but had no money.
He got a job as a front desk clerk at Cecil Hotel, earning only ₹50 per month. Despite this, he worked hard and impressed his British manager with his dedication and skills. He always took extra responsibilities and learned everything he could about the hotel business.
Taking a Risk: Buying His First Hotel
A few years later, his manager bought a small hotel and offered Oberoi a chance to work with him. In 1934, Oberoi made a bold decision—he bought Clarke’s Hotel in Shimla. But he didn’t have the money for it, so he pawned his wife’s jewelry and sold all his assets to arrange funds.
It was a huge risk, but it paid off. Soon, in 1938, he took another big step—he leased Kolkata’s Grand Hotel, which had 500 rooms. Using his business skills and determination, he turned it into a successful hotel.
Building India’s Top Hotel Chain
As his confidence grew, Oberoi started investing in Associated Hotels of India (AHI), a company that owned many hotels in Shimla, Delhi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Peshawar. By 1943, he had acquired full control of AHI, making him the first Indian to own a large hotel chain.
In 1965, he opened The Oberoi Intercontinental in New Delhi, India’s first modern five-star hotel. In 1973, he launched the 35-story Oberoi Sheraton in Mumbai, further expanding his empire.
Taking Oberoi Hotels to the Global Stage
Oberoi understood that international partnerships were important. He collaborated with global hotel brands to attract foreign tourists and introduce world-class hospitality in India.
He also launched a new hotel brand, Trident Hotels, to serve mid-luxury travelers. Today, Trident Hotels has properties in Mumbai, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur. There is also an international Trident hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Oberoi Group now employs over 12,000 people and is known as one of the best hotel chains in the world.
A True Visionary Who Changed India’s Hotel Industry
Mohan Singh Oberoi’s journey from a hotel clerk to a billionaire businessman is truly inspiring. His hard work, smart strategies, and willingness to take risks made him a legend in the hospitality industry.
Even after his passing in 2002 at the age of 103, his legacy continues to shine.
