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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 April 5, 2026
Indian Hotels Company Limited has unveiled Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, marking the debut of the SeleQtions brand in Kanpur, one of Uttar Pradesh’s key commercial and industrial centres.
Highlighting the significance of the launch, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Kanpur, a vital commercial and industrial centre is witnessing rapid growth with its evolving infrastructure and increasing connectivity. The opening of Eternity, Kanpur, IHCL SeleQtions addresses the growing demand from corporate, MICE and social segments.”
Strategically located on NH-91, away from the city’s bustle, the hotel features 104 neo-classical rooms offering views of the cityscape. The property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers with a mix of comfort, connectivity, and modern amenities.
Dining options include Célesté, an all-day dining restaurant; Thea, a bar serving European-inspired cocktails along with an exclusive cigar lounge; and Aurumn the Lounge. Guests can also enjoy wellness facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym.
For events and gatherings, the hotel offers expansive banquet and meeting spaces. The largest banquet hall spans over 11,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for conferences, conventions, and social celebrations.
Mr. Jalpreet Sodhi, General Manager, Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, said, “We look forward to welcoming guests to Eternity - IHCL SeleQtions and offering a memorable experience in the culturally rich city of Kanpur.”
Located along the banks of the Ganga, Kanpur is known for its strong industrial legacy in leather, textiles, and manufacturing, making it an important commercial hub in North India. With this launch, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in growing urban markets across the country.
After weeks of deadlines, financial closures, and the usual rush that comes with March, the Good Friday long weekend arrives at just the right time. Sitting right at the end of the financial year, it offers a chance to step away from routine, take a breather, and begin April with a clearer mind. Whether it’s the calm of a coffee estate, the stillness of backwaters, or the fresh air of the mountains, a short getaway can make all the difference.
At Evolve Back Coorg, the surroundings naturally slow things down. Set amid coffee plantations and rainforest landscapes, the experience here is all about quiet moments. Mornings begin with misty walks, followed by relaxed breakfasts, spa time, and peaceful hours by a private pool, making it easy to switch off from work mode.
For those who prefer a deeper disconnect, The Tamara Coorg offers forest-lined cottages and sweeping hill views. The calm setting encourages slower mornings and evenings without screens, allowing travellers to gently ease out of the stress of work and return feeling lighter.
If a slower pace by the water sounds more appealing, Coconut Lagoon provides a refreshing change. Surrounded by the backwaters of Kumarakom, the experience is simple and unhurried, with boat rides, sunset views, and traditional wellness therapies creating a sense of balance without the need for a packed schedule.
For a more complete wellness reset, Ananda in the Himalayas stands out as a destination focused on mental and physical well-being. With meditation, personalised wellness programmes, and the calming influence of the mountains, even a short stay here helps restore focus and energy.
Similarly, Six Senses Vana offers a more guided approach to relaxation. Instead of a typical holiday, it focuses on mindful routines and holistic wellness, helping guests return feeling calmer, more balanced, and ready for the weeks ahead.
Not every break needs to be long to make an impact. Sometimes, a few days in the right environment is enough to reset both mind and body. With peaceful surroundings and thoughtful hospitality, these retreats offer a simple yet meaningful way to step into April with renewed energy.
Air India has announced Halwara (Ludhiana) as its newest destination, becoming the first airline to introduce flights to the city. This move improves connectivity for travellers from Punjab’s industrial hub, linking them to Delhi and further to international destinations.
Starting 15 May 2026, the airline will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara using its A320 Family aircraft. The schedule has been planned to ensure smooth same-day connections via Delhi to key global destinations, especially across the United Kingdom and Europe.
With this new route, passengers from Halwara, Ludhiana, and nearby areas can easily travel to Delhi and continue their journey to cities like London, Birmingham, Rome, Milan, and Paris. The airline is also offering the convenience of single-ticket bookings with baggage checked through to the final destination, making the overall travel experience more seamless.
Commenting on the launch, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “We are pleased to serve the people and communities in Ludhiana and neighbouring towns and cities with the convenience of travelling across continents via Delhi. With this addition to our network, we are making international travel simpler and more seamless for more customers across Punjab.”
Schedule of Flights Between Delhi (DEL) and Halwara (HWR) Effective 15 May 2026:
AI481 – Delhi to Halwara (Ludhiana): 05:55 – 07:05 (Daily)AI482 – Halwara (Ludhiana) to Delhi: 07:55 – 09:10 (Daily)AI483 – Delhi to Halwara (Ludhiana): 12:55 – 14:10 (Daily)AI484 – Halwara (Ludhiana) to Delhi: 14:40 – 15:55 (Daily)
All timings are in local time zones.
Bookings for Air India’s Halwara flights are now being gradually opened across all channels, including the airline’s official website, mobile app, and through travel agents worldwide.
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