Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
Nashville Fried Chicken Has Landed in Pune and the Crispy Re...
Pune's fried chicken scene just got a serious upgrade. Nashv...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Celebrates Eid with a Festiv...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is welcoming the festive sp...
The Imperia by Dhaba Appoints Chef Jasbir Singh Adhikari as ...
The Imperia by Dhaba has announced the appointment of Jasbir...
Dubai Faces Drone Strike Disruptions Amid Rising Regional Te...
Amidst the regional tensions in the Middle East Region, Duba...
By Hariharan U
Published on March 24, 2026
Karnataka Tourism had a strong showing at the Travel and Tourism Fair Bengaluru 2026, using the three-day event to put the state's diverse tourism offerings in front of a wide audience of travel trade professionals, industry stakeholders, and visitors.
The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by H.K. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. Senior officials representing the department included Dr. Thrilok Chandra K.V., IAS, Secretary of Tourism; Mr. Prashant Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.; Mr. Janardhan H.P., Joint Director of the Department of Tourism; and Smt. Cheluvamba, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism.
The pavilion drew consistent footfall throughout the event, with the display capturing attention for the breadth of what Karnataka has to offer. Heritage circuits, cultural landmarks, wildlife reserves, scenic landscapes, and emerging segments including wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism were all prominently featured through promotional materials and audio-visual presentations. The depth of the state's tourism product came through clearly, reinforcing Karnataka's positioning as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal one.
The B2B dimension of the participation was equally productive. Karnataka Tourism stakeholders engaged directly with tour operators, travel agents, and destination management companies over the three days, exploring new business opportunities and building on existing partnerships. These interactions gave both sides a clearer picture of evolving travel trends and consumer preferences, which the department expects to translate into stronger collaborations and increased tourist footfall in the months ahead.
Media engagement at the pavilion also generated meaningful coverage, extending the reach of Karnataka's tourism narrative beyond the fair itself.
Karnataka Tourism continues to prioritise sustainable and responsible tourism as it promotes its unique blend of heritage, nature, and modern experiences to travellers across India. TTF Bengaluru 2026 was a useful platform to reinforce that message to exactly the right audience.
Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa in Udaipur stepped beyond the boundaries of conventional hospitality recently, hosting The Write Circle, a thoughtfully organised literary session that brought together guests, thinkers, and storytellers for an evening of genuine conversation.
The event, held in association with Prabha Khaitan Foundation, featured author and communications leader Priyanka Sharma Kaintura in conversation with Swati Agarwal, creating a space where mythology, societal themes, and personal storytelling intersected naturally. The session was organised in collaboration with Ehsaas, Women of Udaipur, led by Kanika Agarwal, Shraddha Murdia, and Swati Agarwal, bringing together a community of like-minded individuals who value meaningful dialogue over surface-level engagement.
Priyanka Sharma Kaintura is a writer and speaker with over two decades of experience in corporate communications and brand reputation management. She has authored two books: My Jiffies, a narration of moments that are, as the title suggests, unadulterated and unpackaged, and Mahadevi: The Unseen Truth Behind Existence, which has earned praise for its thoughtful exploration of mythology and societal themes. Her work across writing and speaking has been recognised through multiple awards including the Indira Priyadarshini Award 2023 and Times Power Icon 2018.
Swati Agarwal, Owner of Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, reflected on what the evening meant for the property. "At Radisson Blu Udaipur, we have always believed in creating experiences that go beyond hospitality and bring people together through meaningful conversations. The Write Circle reflects this vision, offering a platform where literature, ideas, and diverse perspectives can come together in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. It was a pleasure to host Priyanka Sharma Kaintura and welcome guests for an evening that truly celebrated storytelling and dialogue."
For a resort set in one of India's most culturally rich cities, hosting events like The Write Circle feels like a natural extension of what Udaipur represents: a place where heritage, art, and thoughtful living coexist. Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa continues to build on that identity, offering guests experiences that go well beyond a comfortable stay.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.
Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.
Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”
As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.
These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.
The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.
With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.