The 10th Global Hospitality Conclave (GHC), recently held at The Oberoi, New Delhi, was a prestigious and dynamic event in the hospitality industry that, over the past decade, had raised the bar on critical issues affecting both the world and hospitality specifically.
Steered by alumni of the erstwhile Oberoi School of Hotel Management (OSHM)—now The Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development (OCLD)—the Conclave began as a platform to share knowledge and offered an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders.
Over the years, GHC grew in representation and credibility, becoming a powerful forum for Oberoi Hotel alumni to celebrate their journey of learning and excellence, while fostering interaction and debate among professionals from diverse service and hospitality sectors.
Marking 90 years of The Oberoi Group
This year, the Global Hospitality Conclave celebrated 90 years of The Oberoi Group, uniting its leadership, OSHM/OCLD alumni, and former executives to honour the past and shape the future.
Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, commented, “We are privileged to honour 90 years of excellence—an extraordinary journey that began with the vision and passion of our founder, Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. Through his pioneering spirit and steadfast belief in people, he built a legacy that transformed Indian hospitality. The Global Hospitality Conclave is a fitting tribute to his life and contribution, and it is heartening to see so many members of the Oberoi family come together to celebrate the timeless values that continue to shape our future.”
Vikram Oberoi, CEO, The Oberoi Group, added, “The 90-year milestone is not just a celebration—it is a moment of gratitude. Gratitude to Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi for his enduring vision, and to all those who have carried that vision forward with integrity and excellence. The Global Hospitality Conclave gives us the opportunity to reflect on our collective journey and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define The Oberoi Group: exceptional service, sincere care, and continuous innovation.”
GHC: A platform for purpose and connection
Sudhir Gupta, GHC Chair and Executive Chairman, TLC Digitech, said, “GHC is a unique initiative that began ten years ago and has over the last decade grown in its prominence as a platform for thought leadership. For the Oberoi alumni—mentored in the values shaped by Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi and P.R.S. Oberoi—this is more than a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of the alumni’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and service that has served them in the varied fields and positions that they have embarked upon. As The Oberoi Group marks nine decades of timeless hospitality, the alumni honour a legacy that continues to guide, inspire, and define the future of global luxury.”
Honouring the visionary: Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Memorial Lecture
The Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Memorial Lecture, the centrepiece of the Conclave, was delivered by Dr Ashwani Kumar—former Minister of Law and Justice and Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. Drawing from his long association with The Oberoi Group, Dr Kumar reflected on Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi’s pioneering spirit, values-driven leadership, and lasting impact on Indian hospitality.
A legacy remembered: Insights from an icon’s life
Another powerful tribute came through the session titled “A Legacy Remembered”, featuring Bachi Karkaria, renowned journalist and author of Dare to Dream: A Life of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. In conversation with Rajiv Kaul, the session gave rare insights into the life of a legend whose story continued to inspire generations.
India’s strategic position: Global voices at the GHC
The Conclave featured engaging discussions on India’s strategic options by panellists Arun Singh, former US Ambassador; Indrani Bagchi, CEO of Ananta Centre; and Professor Harsh V Pant, Vice President at Observer Research Foundation. The session was moderated by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, former Navy Commander-in-Chief.
Inspiring entrepreneurship: A fireside chat with Viraj Bahl
A fireside chat with entrepreneur Viraj Bahl, founder of Veeba, WokTok, Tasty Pixel, and Barisco, was held in conversation with Dilip Puri, Oberoi alumnus and Founder & Executive Chairman of the Indian School of Hospitality.
Leisure redefined: A dialogue with luxury hospitality pioneers
This was followed by an inspiring discussion on reimagining leisure with luxury hospitality leaders Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founder of Brij Hotels; Jose T. Ramapuram, Director of Evolve Back Resorts; Manvendra Singh Shekhawat, Managing Director of Suryagarh Collection; and Sunil Mehta, Chairman of World Wilderness Trust of India. The session was moderated by Mohit Nirula, COO of The Oberoi Group.
Oberoi achievers take the stage
The conclave was also a celebration of Oberoi achievers. A lively session titled “Wider Horizons” and moderated by Shyam Mohan, Founder & Chairman, Tier 1 Network Private Limited, featured Oberoi alumni who had ventured out and achieved great entrepreneurial and corporate success—Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture India; Joe Manavalan, Co-Founder, Licious; and Sharad Puri, Specialist, Prestige Group.
More than a reunion: A platform for global alumni
Organised annually, the Global Hospitality Conclave aimed to unite Oberoi Hotels alumni working across sectors like banking, aviation, travel, and education, offering more than a typical reunion by fostering knowledge exchange, shared experiences, and meaningful networking.
