Hari Naroomal Harilela, a name synonymous with perseverance, success, and generosity, embodies the story of a visionary who not only built a business empire but also made a lasting impact on society.
Born in 1922 in Hyderabad, British India, Hari Naroomal Harilela faced early challenges that would shape his drive, resilience, and compassion. His father’s journey to Hong Kong laid the foundation for what would become a thriving family enterprise, the Harilela Group, which Hari later built into one of Asia’s most respected and diverse business conglomerates.
The Early Life and Family Foundation of Hari Naroomal Harilela’s Success
Hari Harilela was born into a family that valued hard work and integrity. His father, Naroomal Lilaram Mirchandani, left Sindh for Hong Kong and Canton in search of opportunity, opening an antique shop and amassing early successes in business.
However, tragedy struck when Hari Naroomal Harilela’s grandmother passed away, and the family decided to cremate her without waiting for his father’s return. This deeply affected Naroomal, who decided to rename himself Naraindas Harilela, in memory of his parents Haribai and Lelaram. This new family name, Harilela, would come to symbolize a lineage built on resilience and unity.
In 1930, young Hari Naroomal Harilela moved with his mother and siblings to join his father in Canton. However, the Great Depression disrupted their fortunes, leaving the family in a difficult position. They persevered, though, finding renewed success by supplying quality textiles to British soldiers during World War II. The Harilelas’ strength in adversity became the foundation of their legacy.
Building a Business Empire: From Tailoring to a Global Conglomerate
Hari Harilela began his career in Hong Kong by opening a clothing and tailoring shop. His approach to tailoring was innovative—he began offering custom-made suits through mail order, an idea that quickly caught on and propelled his business. Hari Naroomal Harilela’s ability to adapt to changing trends allowed him to foresee that the mail-order trend would fade. In 1959, he made a pivotal decision to shift into real estate and hospitality, founding the Harilela Group with his brothers George and Peter.
Through the decades, the Harilela Group expanded its influence in Hong Kong and beyond. Hari’s foresight and diligence helped the group acquire and establish hotels across Asia, Canada, and London. By 2014, the Harilela Group owned 19 major hotels, including iconic properties such as the Holiday Inn Golden Mile and Intercontinental Grand Stanford in Kowloon. Hari Harilela’s business acumen turned a modest tailoring business into a global hospitality powerhouse, and his leadership became a guiding light for generations.
A Leader and Advocate for the Community
Beyond business, Hari Naroomal Harilela was a prominent leader and advocate within Hong Kong’s Indian community. Known for his integrity and wisdom, Hari was often called upon to mediate disputes within the community, earning him respect and admiration. His influence extended into governmental circles, where he advised on policies concerning Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities. Close relationships with Hong Kong’s chief executives, Tung Chee-hwa and Donald Tsang, enabled him to contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong’s governance.
In recognition of his dedication to public service, Hari Naroomal Harilela was appointed to the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee in 1985, where he played a role in shaping Hong Kong’s legal landscape. Later, he served as Hong Kong Affairs Advisor to the People’s Republic of China, and as Honorary Consul of Niger in Hong Kong. His contributions were integral to fostering a more inclusive Hong Kong, and he became a respected voice in both local and international affairs.
Philanthropy and Commitment to Education
A deep sense of responsibility to uplift society led Hari to philanthropy, a commitment he and his wife, Padma, embodied in their charitable work. Hari’s generous donations to educational institutions like the Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) helped advance education and research in Hong Kong. In recognition of their contributions, the Padma & Hari Harilela Lecture Theatres at HKUST and other institutions bear the family’s name, symbolizing a legacy of giving back to the community.
A Legacy of Family Unity and Tradition
Hari Harilela’s family values were central to his life and his business. The Harilela family lived together in a 40-bedroom mansion in Kowloon Tong, a testament to their unity. The mansion, shared by his extended family of over 80 members, represents a rare commitment to family solidarity. Hari’s leadership extended beyond business and into nurturing a family culture that prioritized togetherness and mutual support. His son, Aron, took over as chairman of the Harilela Group in 2012, continuing his father’s legacy of responsible leadership.
Honors and Recognition: Celebrating a Life of Impact
For his contributions to business and society, Hari Naroomal Harilela received numerous honors. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1963 and was appointed Justice of the Peace. The Hong Kong government honored him with the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2000 and the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2009, the territory’s highest awards for public service.
Hari Naroomal Harilela was also recognized by the Government of India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, celebrating his influence as a member of the Indian diaspora. In 2001, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Investment Conference.
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