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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 March 22, 2026
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued an advisory asking airlines to avoid several airspaces in West Asia due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The move is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and strengthening contingency planning for flight operations.
As per the directive, airlines have been asked to refrain from operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, operations over Oman and Saudi Arabia may be allowed under certain conditions.
The DGCA noted that recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, along with Iran’s retaliatory actions, have created a high-risk environment for civil aviation. These developments have raised serious concerns around the safety of flight operations in the region.
In addition to avoiding specific airspaces, airlines have also been advised not to operate below FL320 (32,000 feet) in designated parts of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The regulator has stressed the importance of detailed safety assessments and strong contingency plans, including rerouting and diversions where required.
The advisory has come into effect immediately and will remain valid until March 28, unless reviewed earlier depending on the situation. Airlines have also been instructed to avoid flying in the affected airspaces at all altitudes.
"Operations to airports in the region, where international carriers continue to fly, must be backed by comprehensive contingency planning to address all possible scenarios," the DGCA said.
Further, carriers have been asked to keep flight crew updated with the latest NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), which provide real-time updates on airspace conditions and restrictions.
Separately, airlines have issued travel advisories for passengers flying to and from Delhi and other cities due to weather conditions. IndiGo has indicated that flights in Delhi and Bengaluru may be slightly affected due to thundershowers, while Air India has highlighted possible disruptions caused by rain and gusty winds in the national capital and parts of north India.
With this advisory, the DGCA aims to ensure that airlines remain prepared and cautious while operating in sensitive regions, keeping safety as the top priority.
Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into Sirsi, Karnataka, with the launch of Essentia Resort & Spa Sirsi. Known for its curated hospitality experiences across India, the brand brings its signature style of comfort and refined living to this peaceful destination.
This marks Essentia Hotels’ debut in the region, with the property designed as a calm retreat where modern elegance blends with the natural beauty and charm of Sirsi. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the location offers a quiet escape for travellers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Sirsi, often called the gateway to Uttara Kannada, is known for its untouched landscapes and spiritual vibe. The town is close to attractions such as Unchalli Falls, Magod Falls, and scenic forest trails, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers, explorers, and those seeking a slower pace of life.
The Essentia Resort & Spa has been planned as a comfortable yet refined stay, featuring well-designed rooms, modern amenities, and attentive service. The property reflects the character of its surroundings while offering the convenience and comfort expected by today’s travellers. It caters to leisure guests, families, and anyone looking to take a break from city life without giving up on quality experiences.
Mr. Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts, said, "Our expansion into Sirsi marks an important milestone for Essentia. We wanted to create a retreat that harmonizes seamlessly with its surroundings while offering the modern luxuries today’s travelers value. Sirsi offers a rare balance of adventure and serenity, and we look forward to welcoming guests who seek both.”
“Sirsi has a unique charm that instantly puts you at ease. This property embodies our philosophy of thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail, and creating spaces that feel both special and personal. We are proud to introduce Essentia to this beautiful destination.”
With this addition, Essentia Group aims to offer travellers a new way to experience one of Karnataka’s lesser-explored destinations. The resort is set to become a preferred choice for those looking to discover Sirsi while enjoying the brand’s signature hospitality and comfort.
By Hariharan U
After a roaring debut in Mumbai last year, BUDX NBA House is coming back to India, and this time it's heading to New Delhi. The NBA and Budweiser India have announced that the interactive fan experience will take place on 9th and 10th May at Bharat Mandapam, Exhibition Hall No. 6, running alongside the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Last year's Mumbai edition welcomed over six thousand fans across two days. The New Delhi edition is shaping up to be even bigger, with an expanded lineup of experiences that brings together basketball, music, fashion, and culture under one roof for fans aged 16 and above.
The headliners alone make this worth clearing the calendar for. Two-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Isiah Thomas and four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins will both be at the event for meet-and-greet sessions, giving Indian basketball fans a rare chance to get up close with genuine legends of the game.
Beyond the star appearances, the event packs in on-court basketball activities, live performances by international and Indian musical artists, BUDX Masterclasses featuring expert-led workshops and panel discussions for emerging artists and DJs, a 3-on-3 celebrity game, streetwear showcases, and photo opportunities with the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers, and the Kings dunk team are also part of the programme, connecting the event to the franchise that played in the first-ever NBA games in India back in 2019.
Rajah Chaudhry, NBA India Country Head, shared his thoughts on bringing the event to the capital. "Hosting BUDX NBA House in New Delhi for the first time marks an exciting next step in our continued efforts to engage fans across India in new and creative ways. The response in Mumbai last year showcased the incredible passion for basketball in the country, and experiences like this are our way of celebrating that community in a meaningful way."
Vineet Sharma, Vice President of Marketing and Trade Marketing at AB InBev India, added: "After witnessing the phenomenal response to the first-ever BUDX NBA House in Mumbai, we're excited to bring an elevated and more immersive edition to fans in New Delhi. As India's No.1 premium beer brand, we have always been at the forefront of culture, shaping conversations across music, sport, and entertainment for young audiences. Sport belongs to its fans. Through platforms like BUDX NBA House, we're translating that belief into a scalable strategy, one that puts fans at the centre of the energy, creativity and culture surrounding the game."
BUDX NBA House will be produced, promoted, and ticketed by District by Zomato. Tickets are available at https://link.district.in/DSTRKT/BUDXNBAPRDel.
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