I am deeply saddened by the passing of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, a towering figure in the hospitality industry and a cherished supporter of Corporate Tycoons magazine. His demise on March 16, in Udaipur, is an irreplaceable loss, not only to his family but also to the world of hospitality, heritage, and tourism.
Shriji, a descendant of the legendary Maharana Pratap, was the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar and the Chairman of HRH Group of Hotels. He was instrumental in shaping the tourism landscape of Rajasthan, ensuring that the grandeur of Mewar’s legacy was preserved while embracing modernity. His leadership in the hospitality sector set a benchmark for excellence, making HRH Group a name synonymous with luxury, tradition, and impeccable service.
I had the honor of inviting Shriji as the Chief Guest for the First anniversary of Corporate Tycoons magazine, and he graciously accepted the invitation. His presence at the event in Pune on April 7 2014 was a testament to his generosity and unwavering support for initiatives that celebrated business excellence.
Born to Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari, Shriji was a man of many talents and passions. He pursued his education at Mayo College, Ajmer, and further honed his expertise in hotel management through courses in the UK and the US. His international experience, including his time in Chicago, helped him transform HRH Group into a professionally managed hospitality empire.
Beyond business, Shriji was an avid sportsman and a keen pilot. His love for polo led him to establish the prestigious Udaipur Cup at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club. His Mewar Polo team won the President’s Cup in 1991, showcasing his dedication to the sport. His passion for aviation was equally remarkable, as he undertook solo microlight flights across India, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.
His contributions to tourism and culture earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 at the 5th Annual Readers’ Travel Awards by Conde Nast Traveller and the VIII Annual Gala WT Institution Award 2012 at the UN General Assembly in New York for his ‘Contribution to Universal Culture.’
His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. He is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, his son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and his daughters, Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, had passed away in November last year.
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar was more than a custodian of history—he was a visionary who modernized heritage while keeping its soul intact. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The hospitality industry has lost a true pioneer, and I have lost a dear mentor and supporter.
Rest in peace, Shriji. Your contributions will never be forgotten.
