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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 February 13, 2026
Vegas Mall, known as a leading fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and dining destination in Dwarka, has announced the grand opening of Kraus Jeans on the 2nd floor. The new store further strengthens the mall’s fashion portfolio and gives shoppers access to more premium and trend-focused denim and casualwear options.
Kraus Jeans is widely recognised for its high-quality denim and flattering fits designed for women. With its latest collection now available at Vegas Mall, customers can explore a wide range of styles, washes, and silhouettes, all under one roof in the heart of Dwarka. The brand’s presence adds fresh energy to the mall’s already strong fashion offering.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kraus Jeans to the Vegas Mall family. Fashion is at the core of what we offer here, and Kraus Jeans’ entry underscores our commitment to bringing both established and emerging brands to our shoppers. With the continued growth of our fashion portfolio, we aim to provide even more choices and a superior shopping experience for visitors from Dwarka and beyond.”
Over the years, Vegas Mall has built a reputation as a preferred shopping and leisure destination, bringing together national and international apparel brands, lifestyle outlets, entertainment spaces, and dining options. The addition of Kraus Jeans is in line with the mall’s ongoing effort to enhance the overall retail experience and cater to changing customer preferences.
Published on February 12, 2026
Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village (KTAHV) has announced its exclusive North American partnership with Sky Vacations, one of North America’s premier luxury tour operators known for curated and culturally immersive travel experiences. The collaboration aims to bring the healing benefits of authentic 5000-year-old Kerala Ayurveda practice to travellers across North America.
Located in the lush foothills of Palakkad and spread across 63 acres, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village has been welcoming global guests for more than 26 years. Recognised worldwide for its authentic Ayurveda-based wellness experiences, the retreat blends traditional healing therapies with modern comfort, personalised care, and a strong focus on sustainability and wellbeing.
“Bringing travellers the most authentic and enriching travel opportunities is one of our core pillars,” said Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. “As Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village’s exclusive representative partner in North America, we are thrilled to expand our health and wellness portfolio with a property that so perfectly embodies authenticity, excellence, and purpose."
At the heart of Kairali’s offering is a medically guided and personalised wellness approach. Each guest undergoes customised programs supervised by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists. The treatments combine traditional therapies, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. Supporting this journey is farm-to-table cuisine prepared using organically grown, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that nourishment and healing go hand in hand.
“It is a great honour for us. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, and working with Sky Vacations as our North American partner and representative helps us introduce the benefits of truly authentic Ayurveda and its healing benefits to more North American audiences,” said Abhilash Ramesh, Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group. “Sky Vacations has a stellar reputation for creating extraordinary global journeys, and their depth of knowledge and experience in India is truly unparalleled”.
KTAHV offers a wide range of wellness programs designed for both preventive and restorative health. These include detoxification and rejuvenation therapies (panchakarma), weight and dietary management, stress relief, energy restoration, women’s wellness, immunity enhancement, pain management, and long-term lifestyle reset plans. Each program is carefully structured to ensure benefits that continue well beyond the stay.
For Sky Vacations, this partnership strengthens its focus on meaningful and transformative travel. With decades of experience in designing high-end journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and strong expertise in travel to India, the company is well positioned to introduce KTAHV to the North American market.
“This partnership reflects everything our guests expect from Sky Vacations: carefully curated experiences, exceptional quality, healing in a globally recognised Ayurvedic retreat and access to the very best the world has to offer.” Further, continued Mr. Krieger.
At KTAHV, guests can access traditional, medically guided Ayurvedic programs including Ayurvedic Massages (treatments), Detox programs, Yoga, Meditation, lifestyle guidance, diet programs, Farm-to-table food using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and authentic Ayurvedic supplements and medicines, all overseen by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists aligned to each individual requirement.
This exclusive collaboration reflects the growing global demand for wellness travel that delivers more than relaxation. Through this partnership, Sky Vacations and Kairali aim to create a new benchmark for authentic Ayurvedic wellness travel in the North American market.
By Hariharan U
Published on February 11, 2026
This Valentine’s season, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel – is embracing love in all its forms, inviting guests to celebrate togetherness with partners, friends, family, pets and even themselves. Rooted in the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, the boutique pet-friendly resort in the heart of North Goa has curated a month-long lineup of experiences throughout February 2026, ensuring every guest feels welcome and free to celebrate love their own way.
Recognising that love often comes with paws, Ronil Goa continues to offer pet-friendly stays with dedicated amenities, pet menus and open spaces designed for relaxed bonding. Guests can book these stays via Hyatt.com and enjoy the brand’s best rate guarantee. The resort also encourages reunions and staycations, inviting families and friends to reconnect at its Indo-Portuguese inspired setting through customised gatherings, offsite excursions, pool parties and celebratory experiences.
Valentine’s at Ronil Goa also places strong emphasis on self-love and wellbeing. Guests are encouraged to slow down with wellness rituals at The Spa, energising poolside afternoons and relaxed evenings at Patrao’s, creating space for rest, reflection and indulgence. Adding a fun twist to the celebrations, Galentine’s Day on 13th February 2026 brings together groups of women for cocktails and canapés, while singles can look forward to a social mixer later in the month.
For couples, the specially curated ‘Couples’ Edit’ package includes daily breakfast, a couple spa ritual, a poolside dinner and thoughtful inclusions designed to rekindle connection. Valentine’s Day dining experiences on 14th February range from curated buffet dinners at Ronil Bistro to intimate poolside and cabana dinners, while Galentine celebrations continue from 13th to 15th February at The Hub. With its inclusive spirit and joyful vibe, Ronil Goa positions itself as a destination where guests can truly come as they are.
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