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.


Stefano Tardito Wins Rēgula 2025 Award for Borgo Monchiero Heritage Restoration

Stefano Tardito Wins Rēgula 2025 Award for Borgo Monchiero Heritage Restoration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Renowned Italian architect Stefano Tardito has received the Rēgula 2025 Award in the Hospitality category for his masterful restoration of the historic Borgo di Monchiero complex, now reimagined as Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, marking Atmosphere Core’s debut property in Italy.

 Presented at the 8th edition of the Rēgula | 100 Italian Projects Award in Milan, the honour recognises Tardito’s nuanced transformation of the 18th-century monastic and religious complex in Piedmont’s Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a refined luxury hospitality destination.

 The jury cited the project as an exemplary balance of conservation and innovation, applauding its seamless integration of aesthetics, technology and historical authenticity while showcasing the depth of Italian architectural and cultural heritage. Reflecting on the recognition, Stefano Tardito said, "This is a truly ambitious project based on a delicate balance between conservation and enhancement, guided by authentic historical research and technological innovation. The result is a harmonious encounter between past and present that allows the monastery to preserve its historical authenticity while evolving into immersive and seductive spaces where guests can enjoy unique experiences. The Borgo will thus be reborn and become an exceptional narrator of its past".

The award has further heightened anticipation for the official opening of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, which represents the first step in Atmosphere Core’s European expansion. Set on a hill overlooking vineyards and rolling landscapes, the property features 19 rooms converted from former monastic cells, an ancient private chapel repurposed for intimate ceremonies, a restaurant with a wine room dedicated to local cuisine, an elegant lounge bar in frescoed halls overlooking a panoramic swimming pool, and a distinctive wellness area housed within vaulted brick spaces and an old terracotta cistern. Owners Franco Giampetruzzi and Gian Maria Debenedetti welcomed the recognition, stating, “This recognition celebrates skilful restoration and conversion by architect Stefano Tardito and enduring spirit of the property, and we are proud of his achievements. It reinforces our commitment to preserving its heritage while welcoming a new chapter”. With its tranquil cloisters, preserved architectural details and contemporary comforts, Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere is poised to offer global travellers, wine enthusiasts and lovers of Piedmontese cuisine a deeply immersive and rejuvenating stay in one of northern Italy’s most evocative destinations.


The Park Navi Mumbai Receives IGBC Certification for Sustainable Hospitality Practices

The Park Navi Mumbai Receives IGBC Certification for Sustainable Hospitality Practices

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 6, 2026

The Park Navi Mumbai has been awarded the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Certification, reaffirming the hotel’s strong commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. The recognition highlights the property’s consistent efforts towards responsible design, efficient operations, and environmentally conscious initiatives.

Strategically located near the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (T1), The Park Navi Mumbai has seamlessly integrated sustainability into its core functioning. The hotel offers guests a refined luxury experience while aligning its operations with global environmental standards. The IGBC certification acknowledges the property’s focused approach to reducing its environmental footprint without compromising on comfort or service quality.

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Among the key initiatives recognised by IGBC is the hotel’s use of solar energy, which has significantly reduced its reliance on conventional power sources. In addition, the property has implemented advanced water-conservation systems, energy-efficient operational practices, and structured waste-management processes. These include effective waste segregation and responsible disposal methods that ensure optimal use of resources across the hotel.

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Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Rahul Makhija, General Manager, The Park Navi Mumbai, said, “Achieving IGBC certification is a proud moment for our entire team and reinforces our long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. From water-saving innovations to robust waste-management systems, environmental responsibility is deeply embedded in our operations. Our approach to sustainability goes beyond compliance, it enhances the guest experience while contributing positively to the community and the environment. We remain focused on protecting the planet and setting higher benchmarks for responsible luxury.”

With this milestone, The Park Navi Mumbai joins a select group of hospitality leaders embracing environmentally responsible practices. The recognition further demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can work hand in hand in shaping the future of modern hospitality.


Athulya Senior Care Founder Welcomes Budget 2026 Healthcare Vision

Athulya Senior Care Founder Welcomes Budget 2026 Healthcare Vision

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2026

As Budget 2026 introduces several progressive measures under its strategy for healthcare advancement through knowledge, technology, and innovation, the focus on strengthening geriatric care and allied health services has emerged as a key highlight for India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder and Managing Director of Athulya Senior Care, emphasised that the future of healthcare in India extends far beyond hospitals and infrastructure. He pointed out that caregivers, allied health professionals, and geriatric specialists form the backbone of a system that ensures continuity, dignity, and quality of care, particularly for the country’s rapidly growing ageing population.

Commenting on the budget’s direction, Dr. Karthik Narayan R said, “India's healthcare future will be shaped not just by hospitals, but by the people who deliver care every day. The budget's emphasis on geriatric care, allied health professionals and caregivers, is a timely step towards ensuring a dignified, continuum of care focusing on quality of life for the aging population.”

With increasing life expectancy and a rising senior demographic, the demand for long-term care, rehabilitation services, and skilled caregivers is growing steadily across India. The budget’s recognition of geriatric care and allied health professionals signals a shift towards a more inclusive healthcare model that values preventive care, rehabilitation, and daily support alongside acute medical treatment.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R further highlighted that empowering caregivers and allied professionals through structured training, technology integration, and policy support will play a crucial role in building a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem. Such an approach not only improves patient outcomes but also ensures that seniors receive compassionate, personalised care that enhances their overall quality of life.

The emphasis laid out in Budget 2026 reflects a broader vision of healthcare that balances innovation with human-centric care delivery. By strengthening the geriatric care framework and supporting the workforce behind it, India moves closer to a resilient healthcare system that prioritises dignity, continuity, and long-term well-being for its ageing population.

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