Mohan Singh Oberoi, the founder of the renowned Oberoi Group of hotels, was a successful Indian businessman and philanthropist. Born in 1901 in Bhaun, Jhelum Dist., Punjab (now Pakistan), Oberoi faced a difficult childhood after his father's death at the age of six. He dropped out of college and learned typing and shorthand in order to make a living. In 1920, he married Ishran Devi and had two sons and two daughters.

Oberoi's hardworking nature caught the attention of the manager of the Cecil Hotel in Shimla, where he was offered a job. A quick learner, Oberoi took on additional responsibilities and gained valuable experience managing various aspects of the hotel. When the manager decided to return to England, Oberoi took the opportunity to offer to buy the hotel and become independent. He then began building additional hotels, including the East India Hotel (EIH Ltd.) and the Grand Hotel in Calcutta. Oberoi was also elected as the President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations and opened the Oberoi Intercontinental in Delhi. Over the years, the Oberoi Group expanded and became one of the largest and most successful hotel chains in India.

In addition to his work in the hotel industry, Oberoi was a dedicated philanthropist who was committed to the welfare of the poor and disadvantaged. He was involved in several charitable organizations and was particularly interested in providing education and healthcare to those in need. He donated generously to causes such as education and healthcare, and also ventured into politics, serving two terms as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Oberoi's outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry and to charitable causes earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2001. He was also a recipient of the Rai Bahadur by His Majesty The King of Great Britain.

In conclusion, Mohan Singh Oberoi was a remarkable figure in the world of business and philanthropy. His contributions to the hotel industry and to charitable causes continue to have a lasting impact, and his legacy lives on through the many hotels and organizations he founded and supported. He will always be remembered as a pioneer of the hotel industry in India.