Padma Awards 2025: Honoring Icons of Indian Hospitality

Padma Awards 2025: Honoring Icons of Indian Hospitality

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.

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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 worksVetrikku 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

Monkey Shoulder & Ospree Duty-Free Create Buzz with ‘Liquid On Lips’ Travel Retail Activation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a bold and spirited collaboration, Ospree Duty-Free and Monkey Shoulder have stirred up excitement across airport terminals with their latest experiential campaign — “Liquid On Lips.” Designed to break the monotony of traditional airport shopping, this activation turned duty-free into a vibrant playground for travelers.

The journey began the moment passengers were chauffeured to the store in Monkey Shoulder-branded buggies, making a bold first impression. On arrival, they were welcomed with a complimentary shot of Monkey Shoulder, setting the tone for an immersive in-store experience.

Inside the Ospree Duty-Free departure outlets, tent cards, branded communication, and voucher distribution helped guide customers through each touchpoint. The business assistance team further enhanced the engagement by educating guests about the activation, ensuring every traveller got the full Monkey Shoulder experience.

Adding to the buzz was a giant mixer truck stationed at the terminal, where a live DJ spun a specially curated Monkey Shoulder playlist. The festive vibe spilled across the space, complemented by exclusive giveaways like branded coasters that added a memorable takeaway for shoppers.

The “Liquid On Lips” campaign is more than just a product promotion—it’s a clever reimagination of how lifestyle brands can create storytelling-led engagement at high-traffic travel hubs. By turning routine shopping into a sensory celebration, Monkey Shoulder and Ospree Duty-Free have successfully tapped into the modern traveler’s desire for experiences over transactions.

A spokesperson from Ospree Duty Free shared, “This collaboration with Monkey Shoulder is truly one-of-a-kind, and we're proud to bring something so fresh and engaging. The DJ setup, the larger-than-life truck, branded golf carts, and the whole Liquid On Lips vibe creates a fun, experiential moment for travellers ensuring to cover each touch point. At Ospree Duty Free, we're always looking to create new ways for travellers to pause, engage, and take back a unique memory, and this one checks all the boxes.”

From interactive buggies and in-store activations to curated music and clever branding, this campaign highlights the rising relevance of experiential travel retail, making "Liquid On Lips" not just an event, but a moment travelers will remember long after takeoff.


Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

Stone Wood Hosts Goa Travel Agents at Aralea Beach Resort to Strengthen Tourism Ties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 20, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts recently brought together over 60 travel professionals from across Goa for an exclusive meet-up at its stunning Aralea Beach Resort, Morjim. The scenic gathering set the stage for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation—focused on enhancing Goa’s presence as a leading destination for travellers.

Hosted with a blend of relaxed charm and business purpose, the event underscored Stone Wood’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships within the travel ecosystem. From industry insights to discussions on guest experience enhancement, the meet-up served as a platform for open dialogue and mutual growth.

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We are delighted to have brought together such a vibrant community of travel professionals under one roof,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “This gathering represents our ongoing commitment to building stronger partnerships that will ultimately benefit travelers seeking exceptional experiences in Goa. The enthusiasm and expertise shared by our guests reinforces our belief in the collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Set against Morjim’s serene shoreline, Aralea Beach Resort offered the perfect venue—providing not only breathtaking views and premium hospitality but also a real-time showcase of what Stone Wood stands for: quality, comfort, and thoughtful service.

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Abhijit Dey, Vice President of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, added: “The meet-up exemplifies the power of bringing together diverse perspectives from across the travel ecosystem. The insights shared by our esteemed travel agent partners will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and enhance our offerings. These collaborative efforts ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering seamless and memorable experiences for every guest.”

From immersive conversations to first-hand property experiences, every detail of the event reflected the brand’s guest-first approach and forward-looking vision. As Goa’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is actively shaping that future—focusing on sustainable growth, stronger collaborations, and exceptional hospitality.


AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025 Returns with Focus on Skill, Scale & Inclusion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 19, 2025

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is gearing up for the 8th edition of its flagship event, the AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025, bringing together the best of India’s hospitality talent this July. Known for its nationwide impact and industry relevance, this year’s edition raises the bar once again with a sharp focus on skill development, scale, and inclusivity.

Running from 3rd to 9th July, with the grand awards night on 30th July at The Suryaa, New Delhi, the event offers a dynamic blend of competitions and recognitions across hospitality domains—culinary arts, front office, F&B service, and housekeeping. With over 300 participants, judged by 50 distinguished jury members across 20+ competition categories, the platform reflects the depth and dedication of India’s hospitality sector.

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AHP has carefully curated a multi-venue format to provide a professional, real-world setting for each skill category:

  • Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (3–5 July): Culinary Challenges

  • Indian Hotel Academy (8 July): Front Office Master

  • Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (9 July): Art of Bed Making & Towel Folding

  • The Suryaa, New Delhi (7 & 30 July): War of Spirits, Table Setting, and Awards Ceremony

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Vinod Gulati, President of the AHP Executive Committee, shares:
"Hospitality is a deeply human profession. This platform recognises the unseen excellence of those who shape guest experiences every day. It’s their moment to shine."

A cornerstone of the 2025 edition is “Sashakt – Empowering Special Ability Professionals”. This initiative invites specially-abled individuals to participate in the same categories as their peers, without separate judging criteria. By offering equal opportunity and thoughtful accommodations, AHP champions inclusion and celebrates skill over limitations, pushing forward a hospitality culture that’s accessible to all.

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From live cooking showdowns and F&B innovation to bed-making artistry, towel folding, and front office simulations, every contest is designed to challenge and celebrate the multidimensional nature of hospitality.

Devipshita Gautam, Founder and General Secretary of AHP, adds:

"This isn’t just a competition—it’s a tribute to intent and craftsmanship. As we host the 8th edition, we reaffirm that hospitality is more than service—it’s a calling, deserving pride and visibility."

The event culminates in a grand recognition ceremony on 30th July, where AHP will present the Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025, Tourism Excellence Awards, and Food Awards. The honours will celebrate individuals and institutions alike—from chefs and housekeepers to boutique hotels and sustainable dining brands—that define excellence in India’s hospitality industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, AHP continues to elevate India’s hospitality community through skill competitions, award platforms, training initiatives, and industry collaborations—fueling pride, performance, and progress in one of the world’s most human-centric professions.

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