The Group employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates 32 hotels and two Nile Cruisers and a Motor Vessel in the backwaters of Kerala in six countries. Mr. Oberoi’s achievements and successes did not, however, take from his simplicity and old-fashioned charm. He retained, until his death in May 2002 at the age of 103, a unique humility. He was fond of saying, “I have been able to accept the challenge and make good. There is comfort in knowing that whatever little I have achieved has also helped to raise the prestige of my country.”