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.


The Serai Resorts Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality on World Environment Day

The Serai Resorts Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality on World Environment Day

By Hariharan U

Published on June 4, 2026

In observance of World Environment Day, The Serai Resorts has highlighted its ongoing commitment to sustainable hospitality through a range of initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental impact while fostering a deeper connection between guests and nature.

Known for its boutique luxury experiences across Karnataka’s diverse landscapes, The Serai Resorts has long embraced a philosophy of operating in harmony with its natural surroundings. With properties located amid the coffee plantations of Chikmagalur, the riverfront wilderness of Kabini, and the forests of Bandipur, sustainability remains a core aspect of the brand’s hospitality approach.

As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, the resort group has implemented water conservation measures across its properties through rainwater harvesting and reservoir management systems. Water collected on-site is carefully channelled into dedicated reservoirs, helping optimize water usage and support long-term conservation objectives.

The Serai Resorts has also taken significant steps to reduce single-use plastic consumption across guest-facing operations. In line with this initiative, packaged plastic water bottles have been replaced with reusable glass jugs, offering guests a more sustainable in-room experience while reducing plastic waste generated across the properties.

To mark World Environment Day, the resort group will conduct sapling plantation drives across its destinations. Guests staying at the resorts will also be presented with saplings, encouraging them to continue environmental stewardship beyond their stay and contribute to greener communities.

Beyond these initiatives, The Serai Resorts continues to integrate environmentally conscious operational practices into its daily activities. These include the use of environmentally safer pest-control solutions and sustainable maintenance practices designed to preserve the ecological balance of the surrounding landscapes.

The group's low-density architectural planning further reflects its sustainability philosophy by minimizing environmental strain and ensuring that the natural environment remains central to the guest experience. This approach allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of boutique luxury hospitality.

By balancing environmental responsibility with guest-centric experiences and thoughtful expansion, The Serai Resorts continues to strengthen its position as a leading boutique hospitality brand in India. The company remains focused on protecting the ecosystems that define each destination while creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for its guests.

About The Serai Resorts:

The Serai Resorts, the luxury hospitality arm of Coffee Day Enterprises, offers immersive luxury experiences across some of Karnataka’s most scenic destinations. Its portfolio includes resorts in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur, where nature-inspired experiences are combined with refined hospitality, understated elegance, and destination-led storytelling.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches ‘The Mandir Collection’ to Enter Spiritual Hospitality Segment

Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches ‘The Mandir Collection’ to Enter Spiritual Hospitality Segment

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 4, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into the fast-growing spiritual hospitality segment with the launch of The Mandir Collection, a new brand dedicated to pilgrimage destinations and spiritually inspired travel experiences across India.

The move comes at a time when spiritual tourism is witnessing strong growth, supported by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and increasing interest in faith-based, cultural, and wellness-focused travel experiences.

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Commenting on the launch, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Spiritual travel in India is experiencing a massive boom, with nearly 1 in 5 Indians planning faith-based or wellness trips. Travellers today are not only visiting pilgrimage destinations for religious reasons but also seeking experiences in wellness, culture, and personal connection. India’s spiritual tourism economy is projected to reach USD 135 billion by 2034, and through The Mandir Collection, our intention is to create hospitality experiences that remain rooted in the spirit of the destination while offering the comfort and quality modern travellers expect.”

As part of the new brand’s debut, Summit Hotels & Resorts has identified Salasar as the location for its first property. The upcoming hotel, Summit Salasar, The Mandir Collection, is planned as a premium spiritual retreat designed to cater to devotees, families, wellness travellers, and destination-led gatherings.

The property is expected to feature around 70 rooms and villas, including private pool villas. Guests can also look forward to experiences inspired by spirituality and Indian traditions, creating a blend of comfort, culture, and meaningful travel.

Planned facilities include a Satvik dining concept, temple assistance services, wellness-focused experiences, devotional evening programmes, banquet facilities, outdoor event spaces, and convenient access to the revered Salasar Balaji Temple.

Looking ahead, Summit Hotels & Resorts plans to expand The Mandir Collection across key pilgrimage circuits and spiritual destinations in India. The company is currently evaluating opportunities in locations such as Haridwar, Ayodhya, and other emerging spiritual tourism hubs.

The launch further strengthens Summit’s destination-focused growth strategy while addressing the rising demand for hospitality experiences that combine faith, wellness, culture, and modern comforts.


The Club Caters Expands Luxury Event Experiences Beyond The Club Mumbai

The Club Caters Expands Luxury Event Experiences Beyond The Club Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 4, 2026

The Club Mumbai is taking its renowned hospitality beyond its iconic premises through The Club Caters, its luxury catering and integrated event solutions division. Designed to deliver premium experiences across weddings, corporate gatherings, MICE events, and private celebrations, The Club Caters is expanding its presence across Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Nashik, Alibaug, and other destinations.

Built on The Club Mumbai’s long-standing hospitality legacy, The Club Caters combines culinary excellence with end-to-end event services, offering clients a seamless experience for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.

At the core of its offerings is a specialised culinary team with expertise across Italian, Mediterranean, contemporary Indian, and international cuisines. The team focuses on authenticity, quality ingredients, and carefully crafted menus designed to suit diverse guest preferences and event formats.

Seasonal produce, farm-to-table freshness, and locally sourced ingredients remain central to its culinary philosophy. The catering division also caters to evolving dining preferences with plant-based menus, gluten-free and keto-friendly options, artisanal mocktails, and immersive dining experiences. These include molecular gastronomy counters, sous vide preparations, live cooking stations, and customised digital menus.

Sharing his perspective on the brand’s culinary approach, Chef Atish Saxena, Director, Culinary, The Club Caters, said, “Our approach has always been rooted in authenticity and innovation. Whether it is regional Indian cuisine or global dining formats, we invest deeply in technique, ingredients, and guest experience to ensure every event feels distinctive and thoughtfully curated.”

Beyond food and beverage services, The Club Caters offers access to an established network of event professionals, including planners, decorators, photographers, entertainment specialists, bartenders, and production teams. The brand also collaborates with prominent venues such as Bay View Lawns, Mukesh Mills, and Siddharth Banquets to create customised event experiences.

Commenting on the vision behind the business, Mr. Tushar Khanna, President and Chief Operating Officer of Khanna Hotels Private Limited, said, "Every celebration is a stage. Our vision is to become India's definitive one-stop destination for luxury outdoor catering, placing curated, experiential dining at the heart of every occasion we are honoured to serve."

The Club Caters further enhances events through personalised butler service, curated décor, bespoke tableware, and interactive culinary installations. To support service efficiency during large-scale events, the company has also introduced a proprietary guest response system powered by wearable silent-call technology, enabling quicker coordination and guest assistance.

As demand for experiential celebrations continues to grow, The Club Caters is strengthening its position in Mumbai’s luxury catering and event landscape by combining hospitality expertise, innovative cuisine, and integrated event management solutions.

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