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.


Hilton Expands Bengaluru Presence with New Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield

Hilton Expands Bengaluru Presence with New Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 1, 2025

Hilton has strengthened its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield, adding another key property to its expanding India portfolio. This opening marks the group’s seventh hotel in the city and reflects its commitment to building a strong multi-brand presence in South India.

Developed in partnership with Minerva Executive Apartment Private Limited, the hotel sits in the centre of Whitefield, a major business and technology hub that houses multinational companies, IT parks, shopping zones, and popular dining spaces. With 223 rooms, the property is designed for both corporate and leisure travellers who prefer convenience and modern comfort. Its location also offers quick connectivity to well-known business districts such as International Tech Park, Prestige Shantiniketan, and the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP).

Speaking about the launch, Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, said, “Bengaluru continues to be one of Hilton’s strongest growth markets in South Asia, driven by its thriving technology sector and expanding business travel demand. The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield reflects our deep commitment to this city, where we will extend Hilton’s signature hospitality to the heart of the city’s tech corridor, offering guests a modern stay experience backed by Hilton’s trusted hospitality.”

The hotel offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms balancing style and functionality. Guests can choose from three dining venues, an all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of international and local favourites, a vibrant bar perfect for casual conversations, and a warm lobby lounge for informal catch-ups. The property also provides 7,000 square feet of event and meeting space, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool that is scheduled to open by March 2026.

Jenny Milos, Vice President, Brand Management, Suites & Focused Service, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “As one of Hilton’s fastest-growing brands, Hilton Garden Inn is designed for today’s discerning travellers who seek a comfortable, high-quality stay that delivers exceptional value. With its thoughtful design, modern amenities and Brighthearted hospitality, Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield is set to strengthen the brand’s presence in the vibrant Bengaluru region.”

Sharing his thoughts, Samir Shah, Director, Minerva Executive Apartment Private Limited, said, “Whitefield sits at the heart of Bengaluru’s thriving tech and commercial ecosystem, and with growing demand for quality accommodation, we are pleased to once again partner with a globally trusted brand like Hilton. Combining Hilton’s global expertise with our local knowledge, we are confident that Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield will set new benchmarks for hospitality in the area.”

Hilton currently manages nearly 100 trading and pipeline properties across South Asia, with over 70 in India. The company’s long-term plan aims to grow its presence to 300 trading hotels in the coming decade. Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield joins the brand’s expanding network in cities such as Pune, Lucknow, Delhi, Trivandrum, Surat, Jabalpur, and Mumbai. The hotel also participates in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty programme.


The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Earns Great Place To Work Certification

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Earns Great Place To Work Certification

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 30, 2025

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been officially certified as a Great Place To Work, reinforcing its standing as one of India’s most respected hospitality brands and a preferred employer. The certification, awarded by Great Place To Work, is based entirely on employee feedback and a thorough evaluation of an organisation’s culture, trust index and people practices.

The Great Place To Work Certification is given to organisations that achieve at least 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which measures credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights gathered from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries, Great Place To Work is considered the global benchmark for recognising exceptional workplace cultures.

At The Leela, an associate-first approach continues to guide the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a strong and future-ready talent ecosystem focused on continuous learning, leadership development and overall well-being. Associates benefit from structured career pathways, digital learning opportunities, capability-building programmes and a culture of appreciation that encourages belonging and purpose. The Leela’s values are reflected in everyday actions, creating an environment where associates experience genuine care, trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes directly from our associates, the people who bring The Leela's philosophy and promise to life every day. We are guided by The Leela Dharmas and our brand ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava - Guest is God, which shape a culture rooted in authenticity, care and excellence. As we approach The Leela's fortieth year, this certification is a reminder that our people remain our greatest strength and the foundation on which our future will continue to be built," said Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Ms. Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President and Head – Human Resources, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, "Being certified as a Great Place To Work is an important affirmation of the trust our associates place in this organisation. It validates our continued focus on strengthening culture, building leadership capability and creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported and encouraged to grow. Our commitment remains to enable our people to thrive while contributing meaningfully to The Leela's journey ahead."

As The Leela moves toward its fortieth year, this recognition marks an important step in its ongoing journey to build a workplace defined by trust, belonging, purpose and high performance. It further strengthens the brand’s commitment to nurturing a culture that attracts talent, inspires excellence and continues to set high standards in Indian luxury hospitality.


Lords Hotels & Resorts Opens Lords Studio Inn, Its New Hotel in Jamnagar

Lords Hotels & Resorts Opens Lords Studio Inn, Its New Hotel in Jamnagar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 30, 2025

Lords Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its presence in Jamnagar with the launch of Lords Studio Inn Jamnagar, now the brand’s third hotel in the city. With this addition, the group now operates 25 properties across Gujarat, showing its steady growth and its commitment to offering warm and reliable hospitality in the state.

Located in the heart of Jamnagar, the new property features 36 well-designed rooms that focus on comfort and ease for travellers visiting for work or leisure. The hotel also introduces Blue Coriander, its all-day dining restaurant that serves a lively spread of Indian and international cuisines. Known for its wholesome vegetarian dishes, the restaurant provides a relaxed and welcoming space for families, professionals and travellers alike.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are delighted to introduce Lords Studio Inn at Jamnagar. This new hotel reflects our vision delivering our signature True Value Hospitality across key commercial cities. We look forward to welcoming guests to an exhilarating and memorable stay.”

Adding to this, Sudhir Jena, vice president corporate, mentioned, “This property is conveniently located just 4km from the Railway station, and a short drive of 15 minutes from the Airport offers an easy access to the key places of interest, including Lakhota Palace, Museum and Pratap Vilas Palace, both located just 2km away. We are ready to delight our guests and offer them an experience defined by quality, convenience, and the trusted warmth of the Lords hospitality.”

With its thoughtful location, comfortable rooms and inviting dining experience, Lords Studio Inn Jamnagar aims to provide guests with a pleasant and memorable stay in the city.

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