First time I met Mr Oberoi, it was in 2011 when I was Additional Secretary Culture in GOI and he was posted as India’s representative in UNESCO Paris. India and Bangladesh were jointly celebrating Tagore’s sesquicentennial (150 th) celebrations and one of the programmes was in UNESCO HQ in Paris. He was to carry the responsibility of tying up everything, from logistics to programme details and invitations in Paris. I was amazed to witness his excellent leadership qualities and capacity to go in details. We had fool proof grand function with the huge hall filled to capacity and many standing in galleries, thanks to his capability and connectivity to the local community. We all, who organised such functions know how difficult it is to arrange the audience. We also tasted his very warm hospitality when he invited key members of the delegations from India and Bangladesh to his home. A very jovial, friendly and helpful person. Later too we met on few occasions when we both were secretaries in GOI. Always enjoyed meeting him. Was shocked and sad to know about his untimely demise. Will miss him. I pray for peace to his departed soul and strength to his family members to bear this undoubtably a great loss.
18 February 1957-11 April 2020