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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 April 8, 2026
Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic alliance with The Aviyaan Luxe Serenity to collaborate on integrated sales and marketing initiatives. The partnership is aimed at strengthening market presence, unlocking growth opportunities, and delivering enhanced value to guests through curated hospitality experiences.
The collaboration brings together the global outlook and experience-driven expertise of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts with The Aviyaan’s strong regional presence and execution capabilities.
Under this alliance, both organisations will work on integrated sales campaigns, co-branded marketing initiatives, and client-focused solutions to drive growth and improve market reach. The partnership will also focus on increasing brand visibility and using cross-market insights to create differentiated experiences for both leisure and business travellers.
Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are excited to partner with The Aviyaan. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building strong, value-driven relationships that enable us to better serve our clients and deliver impactful sales and marketing solutions.”
The group currently operates a curated portfolio of properties across India, the United Kingdom, and East Africa. As part of its global expansion strategy, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts recently acquired La Barbarie Hotel, marking its entry into premium European leisure destinations.
In India, the brand’s portfolio includes experiential stays such as Treetop by Eight Continents Astroport Sariska, Stamps Jodhpur, Stamps Golden Lagoon in Amritsar, and Stamps Pushkar. Internationally, it has expanded with Ocho Homes in Belfast and Taychreggan – Signature Collection in Scotland, along with Treetop by Eight Continents in Zanzibar. These developments further strengthen its positioning as a design-led and experience-driven hospitality brand across key global destinations.
Taj Holidays has introduced “Hymns of Ganga,” a thoughtfully curated travel experience rooted in the spiritual and natural essence of North India. Conceptualised by Deorhi, the journey is designed for travellers looking for a slower and more immersive way to explore the region’s sacred landscapes.
The seven-day, six-night itinerary begins at Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, where guests are welcomed into the calm surroundings of the Himalayas. Mornings are centred around yoga and dhyana sessions led by Yog Guru Surakshit Goswami, followed by sound healing experiences set against the flowing Ganga.
As the journey unfolds, guests travel to Devprayag, where stories of faith are brought to life by kathavachaks. In Rishikesh, travellers discover the destination’s layered past, including its early identity as Kubjāmraka.
The experience continues at Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions, a restored heritage retreat located along the banks of the Ganga. Here, guests witness the iconic Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where the river comes alive in the evening with lamps, chants, and rituals.
From the spiritual riverbanks, the journey transitions into the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park. At Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, guests experience the rhythm of the forest through nature walks, serene landscapes, and the sounds of wildlife. Evenings here are marked by regional cuisine and traditional Kumaoni performances, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
With stays at Taj and SeleQtions properties inclusive of meals and transfers, “Hymns of Ganga” offers a seamless and enriching journey. The experience encourages travellers to slow down, stay present, and connect deeply with each destination, going beyond routine travel.
Bookings for the journey are now open, with stays starting from April 26, 2026.
Published on April 7, 2026
Indian Hotels Company Limited’s lifestyle catering brand Soulinaire has partnered with IF.BE (Ice Factory Ballard Estate), a well-known cultural centre in Mumbai. This collaboration marks a new phase for the 150-year-old restored industrial space, bringing together culture and curated hospitality experiences.
Mr. Kamal Malik, Founding Partner, IF.BE, said, “IF.BE has always been envisioned as a space where ideas, people and disciplines converge. Through this collaboration with Soulinaire we are able to extend that vision - bringing together strong cultural programming with a level of culinary refinement and operational depth that enhances every interaction within the space.”
Mr. Abhijit Mehta, Partner, IF.BE, said, “The collaboration brings together IF.BE’s curatorial focus with Soulinaire’s systems-led approach to refined, high-volume catering and service. Known for its emphasis on personalization, scale, and consistency, Soulinaire extends IF.BE’s offering beyond programming, introducing a more considered and cohesive food and beverage dimension across events, gatherings, and daily experiences.”
Located in Mumbai’s historic Ballard Estate, IF.BE is a unique cultural hub set inside a restored 150-year-old ice factory. The space blends heritage architecture with modern art and design, creating a platform for creativity, discussions, and community engagement.
Mr. Somnath Mukherjee, Executive Vice President - Operations, IHCL, said, “This partnership brings together two brands with a shared commitment to craft, culture and experience. IF.BE has evolved into a distinctive cultural destination within Mumbai’s urban fabric, and this association marks Soulinaire’s entry into one of the city’s historic precincts to curate experiences that are rooted in design and dialogue. We are happy to collaborate with Mr. Kamal Malik and Mr. Abhijit Mehta.”
The venue features three dining and social spaces, including Native Bombay, a modern Indian restaurant, The Banyan Tree Café set in a calm courtyard, and The Native Lounge, a contemporary bar. Along with this, IF.BE offers flexible event spaces such as The Ice Factory, The Cathedral, and The Substation, which host a range of activities from art exhibitions and conferences to brand showcases and private events.
With this collaboration, IF.BE and Soulinaire aim to create a more seamless mix of culture and hospitality, offering visitors well-curated experiences that bring together food, art, and social interactions in one space.
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