Friends and Family
About this ebook
This is the second version of his Autobiography- 'Eighteen'. This edition emphasizes the importance of connection in a world that often feels fragmented. It reminds us that our lives are intertwined through shared experiences and emotions, and that the bonds of friendship and family provide a foundation of strength and resilience.
As readers dive into Oberoi's expanded story, they'll be encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and the stories that shape their lives. "Eighteen: An Autobiography (Friends and Family Version)" celebrates connection, reflection, and the enduring power of love and support. It highlights that we are never alone in our struggles and triumphs; we are all part of a larger, interconnected human experience.
The "Friends and Family" version also explores Oberoi's remarkable family heritage, sharing stories of extraordinary ancestors, including Indian Chemical Industrialists, Padma Bhushan Awardees, and the esteemed Dewans and Chief Ministers of Mayurbhanj. These figures have greatly influenced Oberoi's identity, offering readers a glimpse into a lineage filled with distinction and legacy.
Vinayak Singh Oberoi is an Indian author and philanthropist. Born on May 7, 2006, into a prominent family with roots in Bengal aristocracy and royalty, he attended Army Public School in Kolkata. He is the second great-grandson of the Dewan of Mayurbhanj and great-grand-nephew of the Advocate General of Bengal, KCSI. He is also the grand-nephew of Padma Bhushan and an Indian film producer, and the grandson of an Indian chemical industrialist. His great-great-grandfather (via his great-grandfather) was Mohini Mohan Dhar, the Dewan (Chief Minister) and state judge of Mayurbhanj, and his great-granduncle (via his great-grandmother) was Sir. Nripendra Nath Sircar, Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India, who served as the Advocate General of Bengal and Law Member of India.
Oberoi is also the grand-nephew of Padma Bhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke Award recipient Birendranath Sircar, a key figure in Indian cinema. His grandfather, Chittajit Mohan Dhar, was a notable Indian chemical industrialist and a pioneer in the production of Benzyl Benzoate and Dimethyl Phthalate in India. Vinayak is the third great-grandson of Indian educationist Peary Charan Sircar, known as the "Arnold of the East," who wrote the first book of reading and was a major force in the Bengal Renaissance. His family includes figures like Gurusaday Dutt ICS, Saroj Nalini Dutt MBE, Padma Shri Subrata Mitra, and Brajendranath De, the first Indian ICS officer to study at Oxford College. Vinayak Singh Oberoi was born to Dr. Uma Dhar and Rajiv Singh and has an elder half-brother, Abhishek Singh.
Vinayak is well-known for his literary contributions, including books like "Into the Depths of Darkness" and "An Encounter with Diex." He has also explored acting, appearing in serials like "Karmaphaldata Shani" and "Jai Kali Kalkattawali." Alongside his creative endeavors, Vinayak co-developed a website named Gypsievan with his mother, which ran for four years before shutting down on May 11. His philanthropic efforts include supporting addiction treatment, education, flood relief in Africa, drug rehabilitation centers, girls' education, stray dog welfare, and providing food for children through the Thaagam Foundation in 2024.
About the author
Vinayak Singh (né Oberoi), is an Indian author-philanthropist born, 7 May, 2006, into an elite-royal family of Hatkhola and Kashmiri-Bengali aristocracy via mother and Dogra-Suryavanshi Rajput royalty via father, he was also educated at Army Public School, Calcutta.
Family
Vinayak is the great-great-grandson of Dewan of Mayurbhanj- Sri. Mohini Mohan Dhar Esq. M.A., B.L, State-Judge, District Magistrate, Superintendent of Education, Head of Revenue, Zamindari, Agriculture and Registration Departments and chief advisor to Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo, Mayurbhanj. Vinayak is the great-grand son of Dhirendra Mohan Dhar LL.B., B.P.T.C. bar-at-law- Barrister, Lincoln's Inn; High Court of Calcutta Cambridge University, great-grand nephew of Satyendra Mohan Dhar- C.I.E., I.C.S. Secretary to the Government of Bihar and 42nd and 44rth Commissioner of Tirhut Division and the grandson of Sri. Chittajit Mohan Dhar, Ph.D. former M.P; Chemical Industrialist-Scientist and pioneer of production of Benzyl Benzoate and Dimethyl Phthalate in India.
Distant Family (By Blood)
Vinayak is also the great-great-great grandson of educationist Peary Charan Sarkar and his wife, who was from the royal family of Hatkhola, hence, he is also related, by blood, to Advocate General of Bengal- Sir. Nripendra Nath Sircar K.C.S.I (First cousin, twice removed of Vinayak) and his son, Padma Bhushan awardee Sri. Birendranath Sircar (First cousin once removed of Vinayak). Vinayak is also the, first cousin, once removed- of the Director of Central Drug Research Institute, Dr. Manojit Mohan Dhar- son of Satyendra Mohan Dhar C.I.E., I.C.S. Vinayak is also related by blood to Brajendranath De I.C.S. (First to study at the Oxford University) district magistrate, collector of Bankura, Burdwan and Faridpore, Khulna and chairman of the Hooghly Municipal Corporation; his daughter, Saroj Nalini Dutt M.B.E., wife of Gurusaday Dutt, I.C.S.
Distant Family (Not Blood Related)
Vinayak is the great-great grandson, by marriage, of Sir. Krishna Govinda Gupta K.C.S.I., I.C.S., great-grand nephew of Sir. Albion Rajkumar Banerjee, C.S.I., C.I.E., Former Prime Minister of Kashmir.
Current Family
Vinayak was born to Dr. Uma Dhar W.B.C.S.C., B.P.S.C., N.E.T., J.R.F., Ph.D. and Rajiv Singh, former National Defense Academy candidate and a descendant of the Dogra-Suryavanshi Rajput royalty. Vinayak Singh Oberoi has an elder half-brother Abhishek Singh, born August 27, 1988, to Preeti Singh and Rajiv Singh.
Biography
Vinayak Singh Oberoi is an Indian author, former actor, and philanthropist. He is known for his literary works, including, Eighteen- An Autobiography, his autobiography, and An Encounter with Diex. In addition to his writing, Singh has participated in television acting, appearing in serials such as Karmaphaldata Shani and Jai Kali Kalkattawali.
Singh is also an entrepreneur, having co-developed the website Gypsievan alongside his mother. The website operated for four years before it was discontinued in May 2023 after it was was hacked.
His philanthropic efforts focus primarily on addiction treatment and education. He has supported relief efforts in flood-affected regions of Africa, contributed to drug rehabilitation centers, and assisted in various educational initiatives, particularly for girls. Additionally, Singh has been involved in animal welfare, including supporting stray dog care and providing food for children through the Thaagam Foundation in 2024.
In recognition of his philanthropic work, Vinayak Singh Oberoi was awarded the Young Philanthropist Award by the Universal Charity and Leadership Society, Gujarat, in 2024. He is also the founder of the Vinayak Singh Oberoi Funds which has funded and raised funds for about 50 Charitable Organisations.
Abhishek Singh is an Event Curator, born on August 27, 1988, to Preeti Singh and Rajiv Singh. Singh was educated at St. Xavier's School, Jaipur, and Image College of Arts and Education, Chennai. He is the elder half-brother of Vinayak Singh Oberoi and eldest son of Rajiv Singh.
Adarshjit Roy is a student of Business Administration formerly educated at International Institute of Business Studies, Bangalore and Army Public School, Kolkata and Lucknow.
