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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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By Hariharan U
Published on March 10, 2026
Good news for wildlife lovers,safaris are back at the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, and Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge is once again welcoming guests to experience one of India's most celebrated wildlife corridors.
Following the Karnataka Forest Department's announcement on the resumption of safari operations across the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, safaris in the Kabini region officially restarted on 22nd February 2026. Operations are currently running with restricted seating capacity and a limited number of vehicles as part of a phased reopening under revised guidelines issued by forest and wildlife authorities,a measured approach that keeps responsible access to the forest ecosystem at the centre of the restart.
The suspension had lasted several weeks, during which wildlife tourism activity came to a halt across the Bandipur-Nagarahole-Kabini landscape impacting not just travellers but also the local communities and livelihoods that depend on responsible wildlife travel. The resumption is being seen as a significant step towards reviving the region's tourism economy while keeping conservation values intact.
Jose Ramapuram, Director – Marketing at Evolve Back, shared his thoughts on the development,"Safaris are an integral part of the Kabini experience, allowing guests to witness one of India's richest wildlife habitats. The resumption of safari operations is encouraging for the local ecosystem of communities and stakeholders that depend on responsible wildlife travel to build their livelihoods. We look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the forests of Kabini."
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Kabini River, right on the edge of Nagarahole National Park,a location that puts guests in the heart of one of India's most biodiverse regions. The lodge draws deep inspiration from the traditions of the indigenous Kadu Kuruba community, weaving their cultural heritage into the guest experience in a way that feels genuine and grounded. This Spirit of the Land philosophy,celebrating the natural and cultural identity of the region,runs through everything Evolve Back does across its properties.
For anyone who has been waiting to make the trip to Kabini, this is the signal to start planning. The forests are open, the wildlife is waiting, and one of India's most thoughtfully designed safari lodges is ready to make it count.
Frill Hospitality, a leading Indian manufacturer and supplier of premium hotel amenities and toiletries, is participating in AAHAR 2026, one of the country’s prominent hospitality and food industry exhibitions. The event is taking place from 10 to 14 March at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and also marks the company’s 10th anniversary.
At this year’s exhibition, Frill Hospitality is introducing two new eco-friendly products under its portfolio. These include Qyro Toothpaste in an eco-friendly Craft Pouch and Qyro Shave Gel in an eco-friendly Craft Pouch. The products are designed to support sustainable hospitality practices while ensuring comfort and convenience for hotel guests.
Known for supplying luxury bath products, shampoos, soaps, and other in-room amenities, Frill Hospitality has steadily built its presence across the hospitality sector in India. With sustainability becoming an important focus for hotels and resorts, the company continues to introduce solutions that combine quality with responsible design.
As a contributor to sustainable hospitality, Frill Hospitality aims to develop products that are practical for hotels while also reducing environmental impact. The newly launched craft pouch packaging reflects this approach, offering an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on guest experience.
The company will also showcase its Isvara Naturals range at the exhibition. Crafted intentionally for modern luxury stays, the range is trusted by several hotels and resorts and is designed to meet the expectations of contemporary hospitality spaces.
Visitors attending AAHAR 2026 can explore Frill Hospitality’s range of eco-friendly and luxury in-room amenities at the brand’s stall during the event. The company invites industry professionals to visit and learn more about its latest product launches and sustainable hospitality offerings.
For more information about Frill Hospitality and its products, visitors can also explore the company’s official website. https://www.frillhospitality.com/
The Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026 was inaugurated at Tehri Lake from 7 to 9 March 2026, marking another important step in promoting Uttarakhand as a destination for adventure tourism. The event was officially launched by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Sri Pushkar Singh Dhami at Koti Colony in Tehri.
Addressing a large gathering that included athletes, tourists, and local residents from across India and abroad, the Chief Minister shared the government’s vision of transforming Tehri into a global hub for tourism and adventure sports. He expressed confidence that the scenic Tehri Lake, surrounded by the Himalayas, will soon gain international recognition for tourism, culture, and outdoor adventure activities.
Highlighting the purpose of the festival, Sri Pushkar Singh Dhami said the initiative brings together tourism, sports, environmental awareness, and local culture on a single platform. He noted that Tehri Lake is not only known for its natural beauty but is also emerging as an important centre for adventure sports. The festival marks the third international-level event hosted at the lake in the past two months.
The Chief Minister also spoke about several development projects currently underway in the region. Projects worth more than ₹1,300 crore are being implemented to strengthen tourism infrastructure. These include the development of Tehri Lake, construction of a ring road, and the transformation of Timad village into a tourism village.
Adventure activities such as kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving are becoming increasingly popular at the lake. The state government is also working on developing modern training facilities to support young athletes from Uttarakhand and help them compete at national and international levels.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the Koti Colony–New Tehri Ropeway will be developed to further improve tourism infrastructure in the region.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a strong emotional connection with Uttarakhand and has consistently encouraged initiatives that support tourism and development in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted other sporting events promoted in Uttarakhand, including the high-altitude marathon at Adi Kailash and the MTB Challenge in Mana Village.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said the festival is helping connect different parts of the district while supporting regional development. Tehri MP Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah added that collective efforts are essential for the overall progress of Tehri and for strengthening its recognition at national and international levels.
Several public representatives and officials were also present at the event, including MLAs Kishore Upadhyay, Vikram Singh Negi, Vinod Kandari, and Shakti Lal Shah, OBC Commission Chairman Sanjay Negi, District Panchayat President Ishita Sajwan, and District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal, along with athletes, tourists, and local residents in large numbers.
Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival is District Tehri Garhwal’s flagship celebration that brings together adventure, culture, and creativity. The multi-day festival features sports competitions, cultural performances, and artistic showcases, attracting participants from across India. The event aims to highlight regional talent while promoting sustainable tourism and the vibrant spirit of the Himalayas.
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