Arvind Singh Mewar, a descendant of the Rajput king Maharana Pratap, passed away in Udaipur, Rajasthan, early on Sunday after a prolonged illness. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday, and the City Palace, his residence, will remain closed to tourists for the day to allow for the ceremonies.
Arvind Singh Mewar was a respected figure and an integral part of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar. He served as the chairman of the HRH Group of Hotels, a prominent hospitality business that he helped transform into a leading global brand. Born as the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari, Arvind’s family heritage was steeped in the valorous traditions of the Rajput kings, particularly Maharana Pratap, whose courage and leadership continue to inspire millions in India. Arvind’s elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, passed away in November of the previous year, and Arvind was left to carry forward the legacy of his ancestors.
Arvind’s early education was steeped in the values of both academic and cultural development. He attended the prestigious Mayo College in Ajmer, a renowned institution in India, where he laid the foundation for his further academic pursuits. With a passion for learning and a drive for excellence, he traveled abroad to study hotel management in the United Kingdom and the United States. His time abroad was transformative, as he honed his skills at various international hotels, receiving specialized training in hospitality management, which equipped him with the tools to build upon the family’s heritage while introducing modern corporate practices to their business.
Though Arvind lived and worked in Chicago, USA, for several years, his heart was always in Udaipur. Eventually, he returned to India and took over the HRH Group of Hotels, which he led with an innovative vision that helped elevate Udaipur as a major international tourist destination. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its portfolio and diversified its services, including offering unique experiences for tourists that celebrated the region’s royal history, heritage, and culture. His leadership in the hospitality industry brought recognition to the family name and significantly contributed to Rajasthan’s economy through the promotion of heritage tourism.
Arvind’s contributions to tourism were widely acknowledged, with Rajasthan’s former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje recalling his efforts in promoting Udaipur’s rich history and beautiful landscapes. His work elevated Udaipur’s profile on the world stage, ensuring that the city’s royal legacy continued to captivate and attract global visitors. His innovations in hospitality helped make Udaipur a prime destination for luxury travelers, yet he never lost sight of the region’s cultural and historical significance.
Apart from his monumental achievements in hospitality, Arvind Singh Mewar was passionate about sports, particularly cricket and polo. His involvement in cricket was not just as a fan but as an active participant. He made his debut in the Ranji Trophy in the 1945-46 season as the captain of the Rajasthan cricket team. His leadership on the field and his dedication to the game earned him respect and admiration over the two decades that he played. Arvind was known for his sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play, qualities that transcended the game and became a hallmark of his character.
In the 1970s, Arvind took up polo, a sport traditionally associated with royal families. His talent in polo was evident, and he quickly became known for his prowess on the field. However, due to health concerns, he was forced to step away from active competition. Despite this, his love for the sport never waned, and he sought ways to keep it alive in the region. One of his most significant contributions to polo was the establishment of the Udaipur Cup at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club, an event that drew attention to the region’s polo heritage. He also formed the Mewar Polo team, which was composed of specially trained professional players. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, including lifting the prestigious President’s Cup in 1991, solidifying the team’s place among India’s top polo competitors.
Arvind Singh Mewar’s passion for exploration extended to aviation as well. A trained pilot, he completed solo flights across India in a microlight aircraft, demonstrating his adventurous spirit and love for pushing boundaries. His achievements in aviation reflected his broader approach to life, one that balanced tradition with a thirst for new experiences and challenges.
Arvind’s lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Mewar was evident in all his endeavors. He worked tirelessly to safeguard and share the cultural, historical, and architectural treasures of the region, ensuring that future generations could learn about and appreciate Mewar’s glorious past. His efforts spanned a wide array of sectors, including hospitality, tourism, sports, and aviation. However, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to his people and his region. He was known for his humility, his generosity, and his deep sense of duty to the community.
Arvind’s legacy will live on in the institutions and initiatives he championed throughout his life. He played a pivotal role in modernizing the family business, ensuring the survival of Mewar’s cultural heritage while contributing to the economic development of Udaipur and Rajasthan as a whole. His contributions to the tourism industry will continue to benefit the region for many years to come, as will his involvement in promoting polo and other royal traditions.
Survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, his son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and his daughters, Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar, Arvind Singh Mewar’s passing has left a deep void not only in his family but in the broader community of Udaipur. However, his legacy is far-reaching, and it will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched and the many endeavors he pursued. His dedication to service, his devotion to his heritage, and his love for his homeland will continue to inspire all who remember him
