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.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.

Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."

Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.

Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.


McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has announced the expansion of its McCafé network to 200 outlets across North and East India, marking a significant milestone in the brand's coffee business. The expansion reflects the company's continued investment in making premium-quality coffee more accessible as India's café culture continues to evolve.

To commemorate the milestone, McDonald's India – North and East has partnered with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, bringing its "Good Vibes Start with McCafe" platform to life through a new brand campaign celebrating everyday coffee moments and connections.

As part of the celebration, McCafé has also introduced a new Summer Range featuring Strawberry Matcha, Affogato, Salted Caramel Latte, Chai Latte, and Passion Fruit Cooler, expanding its beverage portfolio with refreshing and indulgent options designed for evolving consumer preferences.

Commenting on the milestone, Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald's India – North and East), said, "At McCafé, our ambition is to build one of India's most loved and trusted coffee brands by making great coffee accessible to more consumers without compromising on quality or value. The milestone of 200 McCafé outlets reflects our continued investment in expanding our footprint and strengthening our beverage portfolio. As coffee culture continues to evolve in India, our refreshed 'Good Vibes Start with McCafe' platform, along with our collaboration with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, reinforces our commitment to connecting with young consumers and making McCafé their preferred choice for everyday coffee occasions."

Sharing her thoughts on the association, Tara Sutaria said, "Coffee has always been an important part of my everyday routine, whether it's the first cup that starts my day, a mid-day pick-me-up or a quiet moment to unwind. Over the years, McCafé has become one of my go-to choices, whether I'm in India or travelling abroad, because I know I can always count on a great cup of coffee. McCafé's Cappuccino is one of my personal favourites whenever I'm looking for something indulgent. I'm delighted to be associated with a brand that shares my love for great coffee and celebrates the everyday rituals that make each cup special."

The new summer beverage range is now available across McCafé outlets in North and East India. Customers can also order through dine-in, Self-Ordering Kiosks (SOK), takeaway, drive-thru, delivery platforms, and the McDonald's App.

The campaign has been conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.


Point Break Challenge Opens in Mahabalipuram as India's Top Surfers Compete in National Surf Series

Point Break Challenge Opens in Mahabalipuram as India's Top Surfers Compete in National Surf Series

By Hariharan U

Published on August 2, 2026

The Point Break Challenge got underway in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, marking Stop 3 of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) National Surf Series, India's premier national surfing championship circuit. The opening day witnessed nearly 80 surfers from seven to eight coastal states competing across multiple categories.

The competition features athletes in the Men's Open, Women's Open, Under-18, and Under-14 divisions, with every heat contributing valuable points towards the national championship rankings.

Mahabalipuram's renowned right-hand point break provided ideal conditions for the opening day. Known for its long, peeling waves, the surf break offered competitors the opportunity to showcase high-performance surfing and extended rides, making it one of the most anticipated venues on the national calendar.

Among the standout performances, Shrikanth D led the Men's Open category with wave scores of 9.00 and 7.67, while Kishore Kumar dominated the Under-18 Boys division with scores of 9.33 and 8.17. His 9.33 emerged as the highest single-wave score recorded on the opening day. In the Under-14 Boys category, Prahalad Sriram topped the leaderboard with scores of 6.50 and 6.33.

As the third stop of the national championship circuit, the Point Break Challenge plays an important role in shaping the overall standings before the series moves to the Covelong Classic in Kovalam, Chennai, scheduled from 6–8 August.

Following the domestic circuit, Mahabalipuram will also host the WSL Shore Temple Classic from 12–16 August, giving Indian surfers the opportunity to compete on home waves in an international event.

The Point Break Challenge will continue until 1 August 2026 and is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), and TT Group. The event is organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA).

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