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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.


Vegas Mall and PUMA Ignite Delhi with High-Energy Nitro Run

Vegas Mall and PUMA Ignite Delhi with High-Energy Nitro Run

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Vegas Mall in Dwarka, Delhi, proved once again why it’s a favorite lifestyle destination by teaming up with PUMA to host the brand’s exclusive Nitro Run. With more than 1,000 runners taking part across 5K and 10K categories, the mall came alive with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared spirit of fitness.

image

The event went beyond being a race; it celebrated togetherness, wellness, and the joy of an active lifestyle. Activity zones like a Glitter Station and T-shirt distribution counters added a fun, memorable touch for participants, making it a complete community experience.

“Vegas has always envisioned itself as more than just a shopping destination – we are a hub for lifestyle, fitness, and entertainment. Hosting the PUMA Nitro Run reflects our commitment to curating experiences that bring communities together while promoting health and well-being,” said Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall.

The Nitro Run successfully combined fitness, brand engagement, and community celebration, reinforcing Vegas Mall’s position as a go-to destination for large-scale, vibrant events in Delhi NCR.


TIA Wellness Resort and The Hari Hong Kong Shine in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

TIA Wellness Resort and The Hari Hong Kong Shine in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Condé Nast Traveler has revealed the winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and two standout properties have caught global attention. TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam, and The Hari Hong Kong have both secured top rankings, reflecting their commitment to exceptional hospitality and wellness experiences.

TIA Wellness Resort was ranked #6 among the world’s best Destination Spa Resorts, marking another milestone after last year’s top-ten recognition. “To be recognized on the list again and to claim the number six spot is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in the wellness space and the growth of wellness tourism in Vietnam,” said Ramon Imper, General Manager of TIA Wellness Resort.

Located along Da Nang’s scenic coastline, TIA Wellness Resort focuses on holistic wellbeing rather than just relaxation. Guests can enjoy tailored wellness programs, inclusive treatments, and personalized retreat options. Its 22-treatment room wellness center features an adults-only waterfall pool, saunas, ice baths, exercise studios, and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Guests can participate in daily breathwork, yoga, HIIT, and creativity classes, while specialized retreats like the Strength & Recovery and Creative Healing programs combine personalized training, wellness treatments, and plant-based nutrition.

image

Meanwhile, The Hari Hong Kong earned #3 on the list of best hotels in Hong Kong & Macau, making its first appearance on this coveted award roster. Edward E. Snoeks, General Manager of The Hari Hong Kong, noted, “Scoring one of the top spots in Hong Kong and Macau, when there’s no shortage of stunning hotels, is a testament to our high service level and the dedication of all our team.”

Strategically located between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong is a 30-story architectural gem with 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites offering breathtaking city and harbor views. The hotel’s dining options include Italian ristorante Lucciola, Japanese restaurant Zoku, The Terrace bar, and The Lounge, combining cuisine, ambiance, and curated art collections to enhance the guest experience.

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards reflect insights from more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States, making these recognitions highly respected in the global travel and hospitality industry. Both properties now join a celebrated list of award-winning destinations, drawing travelers seeking luxury, wellness, and exceptional service.


“Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok”: India’s Leading Desi Chinese QSR Launches Bold New Campaign

“Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok”: India’s Leading Desi Chinese QSR Launches Bold New Campaign

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

As India steps into the festive season, Chinese Wok, the country’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese quick service restaurant brand — has launched a bold new campaign that transforms everyday confusion into a craving.

Titled “Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok,” the campaign humorously spotlights the common tendency to mix up the names of Chinese eateries. Each short film dramatizes these relatable slip-ups in playful, slice-of-life moments, before landing on the catchy punchline: “Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok.”

The campaign aims to strengthen the brand’s recall as India’s go-to destination for Desi Chinese cravings, particularly during the country’s peak food, festival, and cricket season.

The films are being showcased across major OTT platforms, social media channels, and broadcast events, including the ongoing cricket season, ensuring high visibility among audiences nationwide.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “Over the last decade, Chinese Wok has become synonymous with how India enjoys Desi Chinese,bold flavours, youthful energy, and everyday indulgence. With this campaign, we’re not just launching an ad; we’re taking a leadership stance. ‘Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok’ is a cultural hook that will define how the category is remembered and recalled for years to come.”

While the short films form the creative core, the campaign extends into influencer collaborations, AR-led in-store experiences, digital challenges, and cultural partnerships, making it a multi-platform engagement built for today’s youth-driven audiences.

Currently operating 240+ outlets across 45+ cities, Chinese Wok continues to expand rapidly, targeting 500 outlets by 2027. With this campaign, the brand reinforces its position as India’s most recognized Desi Chinese QSR — inviting the country to laugh, share, and indulge their next craving with Chinese Wok.

Watch the Campaign Films:

About Lenexis Foodworks

Lenexis Foodworks is a leading quick service food company in India, committed to crafting exceptional dining experiences across its portfolio of brands, Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok stands as India’s largest Desi Chinese QSR brand, redefining how Chinese cuisine is enjoyed in the country through bold flavours, hygiene, and affordability. The brand operates across 240+ outlets in 45+ cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad.

With continuous innovation and expansion, Lenexis Foodworks is set to shape India’s fast-evolving food culture with new culinary concepts and experiential formats.

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.