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.


India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

The India International Travel Mart (IITM), one of the country’s longest-running and most trusted travel trade exhibitions, is set to return to Pune and Hyderabad in 2025.

  • IITM Pune will take place from 27–29 November 2025 at Expo Centre, Deccan College, Yerawada.

  • IITM Hyderabad will be held from 4–6 December 2025 at Hall No. 2, HITEX Exhibition Centre, Kondapur Post.

Now in its 26th successful year, IITM has established itself as India’s biggest travel event, connecting national and international tourism boards, travel operators, hospitality brands, technology providers, and other stakeholders from the tourism ecosystem.

Why IITM Matters

IITM is more than an exhibition, it’s a dynamic B2B platform designed for networking, destination promotion, and business development. With over 200 editions hosted across India, the event has become a trusted launchpad for new travel products, services, and partnerships.

The 2025 editions will feature dedicated pavilions for domestic and international destinations, luxury travel, experiential tourism, travel technology, and sustainable tourism solutions. Attendees can look forward to workshops, buyer-seller meets, and curated showcases designed to strengthen business networks and drive collaborations.

Organisers Speak

Commenting on the upcoming editions, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“India International Travel Mart has become a landmark event in India’s tourism calendar. It plays a vital role in driving growth by fostering direct engagement between destinations, travel brands, and buyers.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“With Pune and Hyderabad being among India’s fastest-growing tourism markets, hosting IITM in these cities allows us to bring together key stakeholders, promote destinations, and create stronger networks for the industry.”

Spotlight on Pune & Hyderabad

Both host cities represent high-potential travel markets:

  • Pune is a thriving hub for education, IT, automotive, and manufacturing, with strong leisure and MICE travel demand driven by its young professional base and proximity to the Western Ghats.

  • Hyderabad, also known as “Cyberabad,” is a leading IT, biotech, and pharma hub, with a growing middle-class population and strong infrastructure, making it a significant market for business and leisure tourism.

Focus for IITM 2025

This year’s editions will place special emphasis on:

  • Sustainable Tourism – showcasing eco-friendly travel solutions and responsible hospitality initiatives.

  • Emerging Travel Technologies – including AI-driven planning tools, VR travel experiences, contactless systems, and blockchain-based security.

  • Business Networking – creating opportunities for exhibitors to connect with buyers, partners, and investors through curated B2B meetings.

As India’s outbound travel market continues to boom, expected to surpass USD 44 billion by 2032, IITM stands as a strategic gateway for industry players to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on new opportunities.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Resort, Pench, Maharashtra, its newest getaway in the heart of India.

Nestled amidst the scenic forests of Pench, which spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the upcoming resort will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, banquet spaces, and more.

Pench National Park, famously known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and countless other wildlife species. This makes it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This signing further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ footprint in Maharashtra, where it currently operates 14 hotels with six more in the pipeline. The expansion also reflects the brand’s commitment to growing its presence across India’s key leisure, wildlife, and experiential destinations.


Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

By Hariharan U

Published on August 29, 2025

 Hotels and resorts across Vietnam are gearing up for the National Day holiday with a vibrant mix of dining events, wellness packages, and family activities that celebrate the country’s culture and spirit of togetherness.

Waving the Vietnamese Flag High at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

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 Alma Resort Cam Ranh is pulling out all the stops with family-friendly festivities inspired by Vietnam’s flag. Activities include festive décor, DIY flag crafts, face painting, and a playful “Capture the Flag” challenge. Young guests can also enjoy kite making, tree planting, and plenty of fun with wood carving, yoga, tug of war, and even meet-and-greet moments with a Minion and a clown.

On September 2, Alma Garden will serve a lavish breakfast buffet with a “Special Vietnamese Delights” counter, followed by an evening spread titled “A Culinary Journey Across Three Regions”, featuring half a grilled lobster per adult, unlimited beverages, and a live performance by a traditional band. Meanwhile, Alma Food Court will spotlight Vietnamese coffee tasting, alongside local favourites such as grilled chicken with bamboo-tube rice and beef stew with rice noodles.

Wellness and Family Time at Azerai Resorts

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 Azerai Resorts is celebrating with special offers designed for relaxation and family bonding. At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, guests can enjoy a “Buy 60, Get 90 Minutes” massage promotion and complimentary yoga sessions by the beach. Further north, Azerai La Residence, Hue is offering a “Family Time” package with a one-night stay, daily breakfast, a poolside BBQ dinner, and discounts on spa and dining. For a deeper escape, the “Hue Heritage and Nature Escape” two-night package combines time at the resort with a guided trip to Bach Ma National Park and explorations of Hue’s cultural landmarks.

Premium BBQ Buffet at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

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In the capital, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking the holiday with an exclusive BBQ Buffet Dinner at Spice Garden on September 2. From 6pm to 10pm, diners can savour fresh seafood, Hanoi specialties, and premium BBQ across five live stations. Children under 6 dine free, while those aged 6–11 enjoy a 50% discount. The refurbished Spice Garden, relaunched in 2023, blends cozy luxury with authentic Vietnamese charm, making it an ideal setting for festive dining.

Fiery Festivities at The Anam Cam Ranh

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 The Anam Cam Ranh is setting the stage for a lively Independence Day celebration with a Vietnamese buffet, fireshow, fireworks, and live traditional music on September 2. Hosted at Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, with optional drinks packages for unlimited juices or free-flow draught beer. The highlight? Fresh mango juice made from Khanh Hoa’s famed mangos, adding a local touch to the beachfront feast.

From beachfront resorts to heritage city hotels, Vietnam’s hospitality scene is uniting to honour National Day with celebrations that bring together food, culture, and family fun.

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