Ludhiana, March 4: Raja Singh Oberoi, the pioneering founder of Texla TV who transformed the electronics landscape in Punjab, passed away on February 28 at the age of 90. The industrialist, who also established the GRD Academy and Club Nirwana, was widely recognized for bringing affordable television sets into Indian households during the 1980s.
Born on February 19, 1936, in Hillan village near Rawalpindi, Oberoi migrated to India following the 1947 partition. Despite a lack of formal education, he entered the electronics sector in 1961 with the launch of Jupiter Radios. The venture proved successful, reaching annual sales of 1.5 lakh units before he transitioned into television manufacturing with the birth of Texla in 1972.
His son, Kawaljit Oberoi, affirmed that his father’s success was rooted in a clear vision for the local market. “Texla went on to dominate the Punjab market, capturing nearly 95 per cent of the TV market share,” Kawaljit Oberoi stated. He further noted that his father’s dedication served as the primary engine for the company’s rapid growth, which saw production exceed 3 lakh TV sets annually within 15 years of its inception.
Beyond his industrial achievements, Oberoi dedicated significant resources to spiritual and philanthropic endeavors. He founded ‘Sarab Sanjhi Gurbani,’ an organization focused on the production of audio and video cassettes to promote Gurbani. The unit was responsible for broadcasting devotional music and distributing literature regarding the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
The family business continues under the management of his sons, Inderjit Oberoi and Sukhwinder Oberoi, who oversee operations in Dehradun.
“My father never had any formal education, but his hard work and dedication brought him success,” Kawaljit Oberoi asserted while reflecting on the patriarch’s legacy.
