Prince Minor II Thakur 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. Vinayak is best known for his literary contributions, notably his autobiography Eighteen - An Autobiography and An Encounter with Diex, the latter being recognized for its philosophical depth and imaginative storytelling. His writing has earned critical acclaim, making him a noted figure among contemporary Indian authors. In addition to his writing, Vinayak ventured into acting, appearing in popular television serials such as Karmaphaldata Shani and Jai Kali Kalkattawali. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in Vinayak’s life. His charitable focus is primarily on addiction treatment, education, and animal welfare. He has been active in flood relief efforts in Africa, contributed to drug rehabilitation centers, and initiated several programs aimed at improving education, especially for young girls. In 2024, he supported the Thaagam Foundation, a charity providing food for children and assisting with stray dog care. His commitment to these causes was formally recognized when he was awarded the Young Philanthropist Award by the Universal Charity and Leadership Society in Gujarat in 2024. Vinayak also established the Vinayak Singh Oberoi Funds, which has raised and contributed to over 50 charitable organizations, underscoring his dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities. Born to Princess III Dr. Uma Dhar, the third, W.B.C.S.C., B.P.S.C., N.E.T., J.R.F., Ph.D., descendant of the Hatkhola royal family an academic, and Thakur Rajiv Singh, a former National Defense Academy candidate from the Dogra-Suryavanshi Rajput community, Vinayak has an elder half-brother, Thakur Abhishek Singh, born on August 27, 1988, to Rajiv and Preeti Singh. His family history is rich with significant figures in Indian administration and education. Vinayak is the great-great-grandson of Hon'ble Mohini Mohan Dhar, the Dewan of Mayurbhanj, who served in several administrative capacities in the princely state. His great-grandfather, Hon'ble Dhirendra Mohan Dhar, was a barrister at Gray’s Inn and a prominent figure in Calcutta’s legal circles. Additionally, Vinayak is the great-grand nephew of Hon'ble Satyendra Mohan Dhar, a distinguished ICS officer who served as Secretary to the Government of Bihar and Commissioner of Tirhut Division. Vinayak’s family also includes ties to major Indian civil servants. He is related to Peary Charan Sarkar, an educationist from the royal family of Hatkhola, and is connected to Sir. Nripendra Nath Sircar K.C.S.I, the Advocate General of Bengal, as well as Padma Bhushan awardee Sri Birendranath Sircar. Further, he is distantly related to Dr. Manojit Mohan Dhar, the Director of the Central Drug Research Institute, and Brajendranath De I.C.S., a noted figure in India’s colonial administration.
