Manhar P. “M.P.” Rama, co-founder of JHM Hotels, now Auro Hotels, has died, the Greenville-based company announced July 8. He was 74.
He was born in Africa and raised in India. He completed high school in Gurukul Supa, Navsari, and graduated with distinction from M.S. University of Baroda with a degree in civil engineering. In 1973, he came to the United States and attended California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, where he earned a master’s degree in engineering. Following his graduation, he worked with the city of Pomona.
Rama later entered the hotel business with his brothers when they co-founded JHM Hotels.
He was an active member of the Advisory Council of Marriott and the board of directors at the University of Central Florida Foundation. He served as president of the Vedic Center of Greenville and in various roles at Asian American Hotel Owners Association, including chairman of the Ethics and Enforcement Committee, and director at large and chairman in 2005. He also served on the Advisory Council of Hampton Inn by Hilton, the board of directors of the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the board of directors of the South Carolina Hospitality Association.
In 1995, Rama was awarded the Entrepreneur Success Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. He was also the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mahatma Gandhi Diversity Breakfast held in Orlando, Florida.
“In the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, we learn that life is a journey of the soul, and my brother, M.P., lived this journey with unwavering devotion, love and integrity,” said H.P. Rama, founder of JHM/Auro Hotels. “His contributions to our family and the hospitality industry are immeasurable. We will honor his memory by continuing to embody the values he held dear. M.P.’s spirit will remain a guiding light for all of us.”
Rama is preceded in death by his brothers, Denu “D.P.” and Jayanti “J.P.” Rama. He is survived by his wife, Surekha; children, Sima and Vinay Rama; brothers, Hasmukh P. Rama and Raman P. Rama; and sisters, Madhu Vivek, Hansa Deva, Pushpa Lala and Pravina Thakor.
