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.


Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

Manglam Group, one of Rajasthan's leading real estate developers, has announced the signing of a Sheraton Hotel with Marriott International in Jaipur. The upcoming project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of approximately ₹350 crore across more than 3 lakh sq. ft. on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway.

The development marks Manglam Group's third collaboration with Marriott International and is part of the company's broader ₹1,000 crore hospitality investment roadmap aimed at strengthening its presence in Rajasthan's growing tourism and hospitality sector.

The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. The signing ceremony was attended by David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, and N. K. Gupta, Founder and Chairman of Manglam Group.

David Marriott visited Jaipur along with senior members of Marriott's global and regional leadership teams. The delegation was welcomed with a specially curated programme showcasing Rajasthan's rich culture and heritage through traditional performances and artisan displays.

Strategically located on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway (NH-48), the hotel will benefit from strong connectivity to Ajmer, Pushkar, Kishangarh and Jaipur International Airport. The location is also close to Mahindra World City SEZ, a major business and industrial hub that continues to drive corporate travel and MICE demand in the region. With increasing residential and commercial development along the corridor, Ajmer Road is emerging as a key destination for premium hospitality projects.

The Sheraton Hotel is being designed as a luxury hospitality destination that blends premium accommodation with contemporary guest experiences. Inspired by Jaipur's vibrant culture, artistic traditions and heritage, the property will feature thoughtfully designed interiors and experiences that celebrate Rajasthan while maintaining Sheraton's globally recognised standards of hospitality.

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Sharing her thoughts on the project, Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, said, “Jaipur is no longer simply a place the world visits. It is becoming the place the world chooses for its most important moments, from weddings to business. At Manglam, our vision has always been to create hospitality that carries the soul of Rajasthan onto a global stage, and the Sheraton Hotel sits at the very heart of that ambition. Sheraton is a name families across India have trusted with their biggest celebrations for generations, and to bring it to Ajmer Road is to offer that legacy in the heart of the country’s wedding capital. Through this hotel, we hope to do far more than host guests. We want to carry Jaipur’s culture, craft and warmth to the world, and to place this city firmly on the global map for celebration, leisure and business alike.”

Speaking on the partnership, David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, said, "My grandparents founded Marriott on the belief that taking care of associates leads to better guest experiences, and ultimately long-term success. Over the years, we have also learned that meaningful growth is built on strong partnerships and shared values. We are pleased to collaborate with Manglam Group on Sheraton Hotel and look forward to bringing together Sheraton's globally recognised hospitality standards and Manglam's vision for creating exceptional hospitality experiences in Rajasthan."

The addition of Sheraton further strengthens Manglam Group's hospitality portfolio in Jaipur. Along with Westin Jaipur on Delhi Road and Fern by Marriott in Jagatpura, the new hotel reinforces the Group's strategy of establishing a presence across Jaipur's major growth corridors while supporting the city's position as a preferred destination for weddings, leisure travel, business tourism and large-scale events.


NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Inspira Realty, a real estate development company under Inspira Global, has announced the addition of NIFCO India Pvt. Ltd. to its flagship industrial and warehousing development, Inspira City, located in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

As part of the agreement, NIFCO India has secured a long-term lease for an industrial plot measuring 2,23,561 sq. ft. The site will house the company's fourth manufacturing facility in India, strengthening its production network and supporting future growth plans in the country.

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Headquartered in Japan, NIFCO Inc. is a globally recognised manufacturer of plastic fasteners, clips and functional components for the automotive industry, with operations in more than 30 countries. In India, the company serves as a key Tier-1 supplier to leading automotive OEMs. The new plant is expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and help meet the growing requirements of India's expanding automotive sector.

The development is also a significant milestone for Inspira City, with NIFCO becoming the third Japanese company to establish operations within the industrial park. The addition follows the presence of NHK Springs Co. Ltd. and Aisin Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the park's reputation as a preferred destination for global manufacturers.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Managing Director, Inspira Global, said, "NIFCO's decision to establish its fourth India facility at Inspira City is a strong endorsement of the infrastructure and ecosystem we are building. Beyond the transaction itself, we are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from Japanese manufacturers, who are among the world's most demanding industrial occupiers. Their presence validates our vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing destination in the heart of Maharashtra."

Uday Shankar, MD, NIFCO India, said, "India continues to be a strategically important market for NIFCO, driven by the sustained growth of the automotive sector and evolving customer requirements. The establishment of our fourth manufacturing facility reflects our commitment to strengthening local production capabilities and supporting our OEM partners more effectively. Inspira City's infrastructure readiness, strategic location, and connectivity made it a compelling choice for our next phase of expansion in India."

The latest agreement adds to a growing list of investments at Inspira City, which continues to attract both domestic and international companies from sectors including automotive, engineering, logistics and allied industries. With several land parcels currently under discussion, Inspira Realty remains focused on supporting Maharashtra's growth as a leading industrial and manufacturing investment destination.


Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

Amritara Hotels has strengthened its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Amritara The Samagam, a riverside retreat located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers. The property marks the group's second hotel in the destination and reflects its continued focus on offering deeper and more meaningful travel experiences within culturally significant locations.

Situated in Kaithi village, around 35 kilometres east of Varanasi city, the retreat is surrounded by one of the region's oldest sacred landscapes. The area is home to the historic Markandey Mahadev Temple, a revered Shiva shrine that has stood on the riverbank for centuries.

Offering a quieter alternative to the bustling ghats of Varanasi, the property allows guests to experience evening aarti ceremonies in a more peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape is also known for its natural beauty, with freshwater dolphins occasionally visible in the river and serene riverside walks that offer a close connection with nature.

The launch reflects Amritara Hotels' decision to deepen its presence in Varanasi rather than expand into a new destination. The company believes that the future of hospitality lies in understanding and interpreting destinations with strong cultural and spiritual significance rather than simply increasing geographic reach.

Amritara's first property in the city, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, offers guests an experience immersed in the vibrant energy of Kashi, with its ghats, rituals, and spiritual traditions. In contrast, Amritara The Samagam has been designed for travellers seeking a slower and more reflective journey.

Guests at the new retreat can explore lesser-known spiritual experiences, including aarti ceremonies at the Markandey Mahadev Temple, boat rides along the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers, and opportunities to discover the region's rich natural surroundings.

Together, Amritara Suryauday Haveli and Amritara The Samagam offer visitors two distinct perspectives of Varanasi, one rooted in the energy and devotion of the ancient city, and the other in the tranquillity and spiritual depth of its surrounding countryside.

With this addition, Amritara Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of experiential stays while catering to travellers seeking authentic cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences.

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