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.


Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 26, 2025

In the world of luxury hospitality, it's often the finest details that create unforgettable guest experiences. Frill Hospitality has firmly established itself as a trusted leader in the industry, delivering premium hotel toiletries and amenities that blend exquisite fragrances, thoughtful designs, and superior quality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Gurugram, India, Frill produces everything under strict GMP standards, ensuring paraben-free, 100% vegan, and phthalate-free formulations crafted with the finest ingredients.

Recently honored as the Most Trusted Brand in Hotel Toiletries at the India Hotel & Homestay Summit & Awards 2025, Frill continues to set the benchmark for excellence in guest-centric innovation.

Signature Collections: Where IFRA-certified Fragrance Meets Luxury

Frill Hospitality offers a stunning range of premium toiletries across three captivating brand lines, each designed to transform ordinary bathroom routines into spa-like rituals:

  • Forestra – We built it for hotels that want to deliver a truly premium, nature-inspired experience. With its elegant fragrance blend of, Bergamot, Geranium & Blond Woods, Forestra brings a boutique luxury feel to every room. The texture is rich, the packaging is sophisticated, and the performance is exceptional, making it the preferred choice for upscale resorts and modern boutique properties. 

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  • Sea BreezeSea Breeze is designed for hotels that want premium quality at smart pricing. With its clean, refreshing fragrance of Sea Salt & Lavender and high-performance formulation, Sea Breeze delivers a consistent guest experience every time. The packaging is modern, the texture feels luxurious, and the cost makes it a clear winner for high-rotation rooms. Perfect for 3- to 5-star properties looking for reliability without compromising quality. 

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  • Isvara Naturals – Our modern Ayurvedic formulations, premium textures, and the signature Soul & Vanilla fragrance create an unforgettable guest experience. Designed for luxury and boutique properties, Isvara offers high-quality, conscious amenities that elevate your brand image instantly.Every product boasts amazing, long-lasting fragrances and sophisticated packaging that seamlessly complements upscale hotel branding.

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Innovative & Sustainable Packaging for Dry Amenities

Frill offers exceptional versatility in presentation, especially for dry amenities. Options include eco-friendly kraft boxes and pouches, butter paper pouches, laminated boxes, flow-wrap sachets, and more. These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also allow hotels to customize packaging that reflects their unique identity while maintaining premium aesthetics.

The White Thread - Premium Hotel Slippers: Comfort Meets Style

Beyond toiletries, Frill manufactures high-quality hotel slippers with Frill detailing in a variety of premium materials:

  • Soft fleece for cozy warmth
  • Plush fur for indulgent comfort
  • Natural jute for an eco-friendly, textured option

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These slippers provide the perfect finishing touch to any in-room experience.

Elevate Your Guest Experience with Frill

Whether you're a boutique hotel, luxury resort, or chain property, Frill Hospitality delivers complete in-room solutions that impress guests and strengthen brand loyalty. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customization has made them a preferred partner for hospitality businesses across India and beyond.

Ready to experience the difference?

Please visit the official website: www.frillhospitality.com.  For more information, samples, or to place orders, write to info@frillhospitality.com


‘Whispers of the Rainforest’ Art Camp Celebrates Nature and Creativity in Wayanad

‘Whispers of the Rainforest’ Art Camp Celebrates Nature and Creativity in Wayanad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 26, 2025

CGH Earth, one of India’s leading boutique hospitality brands, recently organised a 15-day art camp titled “Whispers of the Rainforest,” reflecting its ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and the natural heritage of Wayanad. The camp, curated by Sathyapal, was held at Wayanad Wild, the brand’s forest lodge in Lakkidi. From September 10 to 25, twelve senior artists from different parts of Kerala came together to create artworks inspired by the region’s rich rainforest landscape.

David Raju, Lodge Manager at Wayanad Wild - CGH Earth, said, “We are situated within a dense forest belt of the Western Ghats, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Hosting the artists’ camp here was special because these artists saw what we see daily: the silent intelligence of nature. They translated this into twenty-nine remarkable artworks!”

The artworks created during the camp are now displayed at the David Hall Art Gallery in Fort Kochi. The exhibition stands as a vibrant connection between art, nature, and sustainability, echoing CGH Earth’s belief that hospitality extends beyond comfort and supports both the community and the environment.

The participating artists include Ajayakumar, Ajit Kumar G, Baijudev, Basil Baby, Biji Bhaskar, Shobharaj KR, Sindhu Divakaran, Sivadasan K.C, Sriya K.R, Sujith Navam, Sunil Rocky V.G, and V.B Venu. Each artist originally planned to create two artworks, but some were so moved by the surroundings that they produced additional pieces.

Curator Satyapal added, “Anyone visiting this place will have a profound experience, or in fact a realisation that this earth does not belong to humans alone. We must explore nature, learn about the flora and fauna flourishing in these deep forests, and the people who live there.”

Wayanad Wild, spread across twelve acres of rewilded land, recreates a native rainforest setting where mist-covered canopies, the sounds of cicadas, and exceptional biodiversity offer visitors meaningful experiences rooted in nature. Every part of the lodge is designed to ensure that sustainable practices are a part of daily operations.


India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89. His last rites were held at Pawan Hans Crematorium, where family, friends, and several Bollywood celebrities gathered to pay their final respects.

Known affectionately as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,’ Dharmendra’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His final on-screen appearance will be in the upcoming film Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25.

Dharmendra began his film journey with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 and later became a household name with iconic films like Sholay, where he shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. The film not only achieved commercial and critical acclaim but also redefined Indian cinema and popularized the dacoit western genre.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra explored film production and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009. His passing has been widely mourned, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent figures expressing their condolences.

Dharmendra’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and cinema enthusiasts, celebrating a life dedicated to storytelling, charisma, and Indian cinematic history.

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