Prem Behl

10 September 1944 - 07 December 2020

In a world of grey, PB, as he was known, saw things only in black & white - although he dressed solely in bright colours! He was honest to a fault, a perfectionist and a pioneer in the exhibitions industry. He believed in the India story long before it became fashionable, and made the fulfilment of that ‘story’ his life’s work.

Video Messages

While it’s impossible to encapsulate an entire life – especially a life as well lived and rich as PB’s – into a few short words or images, here are a few glimpses of his life and how he will be remembered by his sons.

A message from his son, Nikhil

A message from his son, Nikhil

A message from his son, Dhruv

A message from his son, Dhruv

PB through the years before a professional journey

PB through the years

A professional journey

A professional journey

A Professional Journey

An intrepid entrepreneur, Prem founded the Exhibitions India Group (EIG) in 1987. Over three decades, he led the Group to soaring heights with his astute vision, resilience and infectious passion. He was globally recognized for his path-breaking initiatives, pioneering standards and lasting contributions to the exhibitions industry.

For his enduring impact, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for outstanding contribution to the exhibitions industry by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association in 2017.

In 2003, he served as the President (Northern India Council) of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), and was Chairman & Co-Chairman of the Indo-US Economic Summit in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

He was an independent director on the board of the Punjab State Hosiery & Knitwear Development Corp. Ltd. (an UNDP aided project). He was a member of the governing council of the Wool Research Association, and also a member of the sub-committee on exports of the Government of India, Ministry of Textiles.

From 1965-1985, he was employed with India Foils Limited, Singer Sewing Machine Company, Usha International Limited and the International Wool Secretariat. He was a mentor to the entire EIG family, and his joie de vivre and lifelong pursuits of knowledge and excellence leave behind a towering legacy. He built a thriving business on the pillars of perseverance, integrity and hard work – values that the Group will always live by as it carries forward his legacy.

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Condolence Messages

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Tributes
TFT pays tribute to Shri Prem Behl

TFT pays tribute to Shri Prem Behl

Shri Prem Behl’s passing is a huge loss to the Indian Exhibition Industry, and TFT pays tribute to him in this special dedicated edition.

TFT December 2020 | TradeFairTimes
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A Visionary Leader Departs For His Heavenly Abode

A Visionary Leader Departs For His Heavenly Abode

I first met Mr. Behl in 2013 at one of the industry events, when i handed him a copy of Exhibition Showcase magazine. His personal warmth resonated a sense of belonging and confidence

Exhibition Showcase
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It's a great loss for the exhibition industry.

It's a great loss for the exhibition industry.

An extremely sad news and a huge loss for the exhibition industry in India as Sh. Prem Behl, Chairman, 'Exhibitions India Group' left for the heavely abode today.

Indian Exhibition Industry Association
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Homage: Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India

Homage: Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India

07 December 2020: Prem Behl, Chairman & Managing Director of Exhibitions India Group (EIG), a name synonymous with highly innovative and successful international exhibitions

Events Venues & Avenues
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Old Martinians' Association, Delhi Chapter

Old Martinians' Association, Delhi Chapter

Sad to inform you about passing away of Prem Behl today. In early 90’s he galvanised OMA Delhi and I learnt a lot from him. He developed lung cancer earlier this year and I heard.

Rohin Arora
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CIEO and the entire Exhibition fraternity

CIEO and the entire Exhibition fraternity

We at Council of Indian Exhibition Organisers (CIEO ) and the entire Exhibition fraternity mourn the passing of industry veteran Shri Prem Behl . We unite in offering our condolences.

Council of Indian Exhibition Organisers
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We shall miss you, dear, dear Prem!

We shall miss you, dear, dear Prem!

Prem Behl, the pioneer of industry and trade exhibitions is no more. As he was recovering from cancer, he contracted COVID-19 and breathed his last on December 7, 2020.

Communications Today
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Tributes