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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 28, 2025
As India celebrated its 76th Republic Day, the nation honored the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions across various fields. Among this year’s awardees are individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Indian hospitality and cultural sectors.
Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti
Textile industrialist and philanthropist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti has been awarded the Padma Bhushan in the trade and industry category. Previously a Padma Shri awardee in 2003, Chetti’s contributions have been pivotal in elevating Indian silk to a global stage.
Taking over Nalli Silks in 1958, Chetti expanded the legacy established by his grandfather, Nalli Chinnasami Chetty, who famously wove a silk shawl for King George V in 1911. Starting with its first showroom in Chennai in 1928, Nalli Silks has grown to include outlets across India and internationally in the US, Singapore, and Canada. Over the years, its clientele has included dignitaries such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and legendary Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi.
Beyond textiles, He is a patron of Carnatic music in Chennai, supporting venues and Margazhi music festivals. His efforts ensure these festivals remain vibrant celebrations of Chennai’s cultural essence which shapes hospitality sector in the region. Additionally, his Tamil literary works — Vetrikku Moondre Padigal, Needhi Noolgalil Nirvagam, and Thyagaraya Nagar Andrum Indrum — reflect his diverse contributions to society.
Chef Damu
Chef Damodharan Kothandaraman, widely recognized as Chef Damu, has received the Padma Shri, marking him as the third chef in history to achieve this honor after Chef Imtiaz Qureshi and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. His illustrious career spans 45 years, beginning at Taj Mumbai, and includes numerous accomplishments that have shaped India’s culinary arts.
Chef Damu, a Ph.D. holder in catering science from Madras University, is celebrated for his engaging cookery shows in Tamil and his role as a mentor in hotel management institutes. He is the President of the South India Chef’s Association (SICA) and has organized workshops and events to nurture budding chefs.
Known for his Guinness World Record for the longest single-person cooking marathon, where he prepared 617 dishes over 24 hours and 30 minutes in 2010, Damu’s name is synonymous with culinary excellence. His books and television appearances have made him a beloved figure in households across South India.
Prashanth Prakash
Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Prashanth Prakash has been awarded the Padma Shri for his transformative contributions to India’s startup ecosystem. As a founding partner of Accel India, Prakash has been instrumental in the success of iconic startups like Flipkart, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Freshworks, and Urban Company.
His efforts have not only revolutionized online food delivery with Swiggy but also empowered communities through initiatives such as ACT Grants and Sikshana Foundation. Prakash’s commitment to sustainability and innovation underscores the recognition of startups as a vital force in nation-building.
RG Chandramohan
RG Chandramogan, a pioneering entrepreneur in India’s dairy industry, has been awarded the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to trade and industry. From modest beginnings to steering one of India’s largest private dairy companies, Chandramogan’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Starting as a college dropout in 1970, Chandramogan launched a small-scale ice cream venture, which laid the foundation for Hatsun Agro Product. Today, under his leadership, Hatsun Agro stands as a titan in the dairy sector, with its products reaching millions of households across the country.
Hatsun sources milk directly from over 450,000 farmers spread across 12,000 villages, ensuring quality while supporting the rural economy. Its brands, including Arun Ice Cream, Arokya Milk, and Hatsun Curd, have become household names in India. Arun Ice Cream, in particular, enjoys immense popularity for its wide range of flavors and quality offerings, cementing its place as one of India’s favorite ice cream brands.
Beyond business, Chandramogan is known for his philanthropic endeavors, supporting various initiatives aimed at rural development and community welfare. His vision has not only elevated India’s dairy industry but also positively impacted the lives of thousands of farmers and their families.
RG Chandramogan’s recognition with the Padma Shri highlights his role as a trailblazer in the dairy sector, blending business excellence with a commitment to societal upliftment. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and giving back to the community.
These exemplary individuals highlight the diverse contributions to India’s cultural, culinary, and economic fabric, setting benchmarks for future generations. The Padma Awards celebrate their enduring legacies and the significant impact they continue to make on society.
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Published on June 24, 2026
Inspira Realty, a real estate development company under Inspira Global, has announced the addition of NIFCO India Pvt. Ltd. to its flagship industrial and warehousing development, Inspira City, located in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
As part of the agreement, NIFCO India has secured a long-term lease for an industrial plot measuring 2,23,561 sq. ft. The site will house the company's fourth manufacturing facility in India, strengthening its production network and supporting future growth plans in the country.
Headquartered in Japan, NIFCO Inc. is a globally recognised manufacturer of plastic fasteners, clips and functional components for the automotive industry, with operations in more than 30 countries. In India, the company serves as a key Tier-1 supplier to leading automotive OEMs. The new plant is expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and help meet the growing requirements of India's expanding automotive sector.
The development is also a significant milestone for Inspira City, with NIFCO becoming the third Japanese company to establish operations within the industrial park. The addition follows the presence of NHK Springs Co. Ltd. and Aisin Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the park's reputation as a preferred destination for global manufacturers.
Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Managing Director, Inspira Global, said, "NIFCO's decision to establish its fourth India facility at Inspira City is a strong endorsement of the infrastructure and ecosystem we are building. Beyond the transaction itself, we are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from Japanese manufacturers, who are among the world's most demanding industrial occupiers. Their presence validates our vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing destination in the heart of Maharashtra."
Uday Shankar, MD, NIFCO India, said, "India continues to be a strategically important market for NIFCO, driven by the sustained growth of the automotive sector and evolving customer requirements. The establishment of our fourth manufacturing facility reflects our commitment to strengthening local production capabilities and supporting our OEM partners more effectively. Inspira City's infrastructure readiness, strategic location, and connectivity made it a compelling choice for our next phase of expansion in India."
The latest agreement adds to a growing list of investments at Inspira City, which continues to attract both domestic and international companies from sectors including automotive, engineering, logistics and allied industries. With several land parcels currently under discussion, Inspira Realty remains focused on supporting Maharashtra's growth as a leading industrial and manufacturing investment destination.
Published on June 23, 2026
Amritara Hotels has strengthened its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Amritara The Samagam, a riverside retreat located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers. The property marks the group's second hotel in the destination and reflects its continued focus on offering deeper and more meaningful travel experiences within culturally significant locations.
Situated in Kaithi village, around 35 kilometres east of Varanasi city, the retreat is surrounded by one of the region's oldest sacred landscapes. The area is home to the historic Markandey Mahadev Temple, a revered Shiva shrine that has stood on the riverbank for centuries.
Offering a quieter alternative to the bustling ghats of Varanasi, the property allows guests to experience evening aarti ceremonies in a more peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape is also known for its natural beauty, with freshwater dolphins occasionally visible in the river and serene riverside walks that offer a close connection with nature.
The launch reflects Amritara Hotels' decision to deepen its presence in Varanasi rather than expand into a new destination. The company believes that the future of hospitality lies in understanding and interpreting destinations with strong cultural and spiritual significance rather than simply increasing geographic reach.
Amritara's first property in the city, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, offers guests an experience immersed in the vibrant energy of Kashi, with its ghats, rituals, and spiritual traditions. In contrast, Amritara The Samagam has been designed for travellers seeking a slower and more reflective journey.
Guests at the new retreat can explore lesser-known spiritual experiences, including aarti ceremonies at the Markandey Mahadev Temple, boat rides along the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers, and opportunities to discover the region's rich natural surroundings.
Together, Amritara Suryauday Haveli and Amritara The Samagam offer visitors two distinct perspectives of Varanasi, one rooted in the energy and devotion of the ancient city, and the other in the tranquillity and spiritual depth of its surrounding countryside.
With this addition, Amritara Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of experiential stays while catering to travellers seeking authentic cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences.
Published on June 22, 2026
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new resort properties in Maharashtra – Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon and Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri. With these additions, the hospitality company will expand its presence in the state to 32 properties, comprising 15 operational hotels and 17 properties in the pipeline, including the newly signed resorts.
Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. The latest signings reflect the group's continued focus on emerging leisure destinations that are becoming popular drive-to getaways for travellers from major cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon will feature 110 well-appointed rooms designed to offer a comfortable stay for guests. The resort will include a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference facilities, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. Positioned approximately 75 km from Navi Mumbai International Airport and 100 km from Mumbai Central Railway Station, the property is expected to cater to both leisure travellers and events-led gatherings.
Meanwhile, Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri will offer 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference spaces, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The resort is located around 134 km from Mumbai International Airport and 5.6 km from Igatpuri Railway Station, providing convenient access for visitors seeking a getaway in the region.
Commenting on the signing, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, "Our expansion strategy with resorts in Tadgaon and Igatpuri in Maharashtra is deeply aligned with the evolving dynamics of the drive-to hospitality sector. Urban travellers and corporate houses are increasingly prioritizing accessible, high-amenity destinations that don't require complex logistics. By introducing the Lemon Tree Resort brand to these two distinct, premium micro-markets, we are uniquely positioned to capture a highly lucrative mix of weekend leisure, multi-generational travel, and mid-to-high-level corporate retreats."
According to the company, the addition of these two resorts further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels' presence in Western India while expanding its portfolio of premium regional resorts designed to meet the growing demand from both leisure and corporate travellers.
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