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.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Elevates Luxury Home Décor with OMA’s Largest Store in NCR

Ambience Mall Gurugram Elevates Luxury Home Décor with OMA’s Largest Store in NCR

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

Ambience Mall Gurugram has elevated its luxury home décor offerings with the opening of OMA’s first-ever store in the city. Spread across an impressive 10,615 sq. ft., the new outlet is OMA’s largest retail destination in Delhi-NCR and has been designed as a walk-through luxury home that brings together timeless design, global influences and everyday elegance.

The new store marks a significant step in OMA’s journey to bring elevated living closer to modern Indian homes. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, refined detailing and immersive retail experiences, the brand chose Gurugram as a natural destination, given the city’s growing base of design-forward consumers and premium residential developments.

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Moving beyond traditional retail formats, the OMA store has been thoughtfully designed as an inspirational space. Customers can explore distinct zones dedicated to décor, tabletop, bedding, bath, fragrances and home styling accents. Each section is curated to create a visual narrative that highlights craftsmanship, emotion and the art of gifting.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Our vision at Ambience Mall has always been to bring meaningful, design-led experiences to our visitors, and OMA's entry perfectly aligns with that philosophy. As the largest store in Delhi-NCR, it adds a refreshing, elevated dimension to our premium retail mix by blending craftsmanship, storytelling, and everyday luxury. We believe this opening will resonate deeply with homeowners, design enthusiasts, and gifting customers. It strengthens our mission to curate destinations where global aesthetics meet the aspirations of modern Indian consumers.”

With OMA’s arrival, Ambience Mall Gurugram further strengthens its position as a destination for premium and design-led brands. As the city continues to evolve into a hub for aspirational consumers, the mall remains focused on offering world-class retail, distinctive experiences and a well-rounded environment where fashion, lifestyle, dining and elevated home styling come together seamlessly.


Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

Jockey India, operated by Page Industries Ltd, has launched the latest winter drop of its athleisure line JKY Groove™, continuing its push to strengthen connect with Gen Z consumers across India. The new collection blends everyday comfort with fresh seasonal tones and relaxed silhouettes that mirror the easygoing style of today’s youth.

Designed for the winter season, the latest drop features a curated range of modern essentials for both men and women. The collection includes oversized T-shirts, hybrid sweatshirts, wide-leg pants, and utility-inspired pieces, all crafted using comfort-focused fabrics and functional design details.imageThe new range reflects how athleisure has become a key part of youth culture, shaped by relaxed dressing, streetwear influences, and the growing preference for versatile, functional clothing. For Gen Z, fashion is not just about comfort but also self-expression, a shift that JKY Groove™ aims to address through trend-right colours and contemporary silhouettes.

Speaking on the launch, Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India, said, JKY Groove™ has quickly become one of our strongest youth propositions, and this drop builds on that momentum. We’re sharpening silhouettes, refreshing the colour palette, and focusing on functionality to match how young consumers style themselves across college, work, travel, and social settings.”

The latest JKY Groove™ collection is now available at select Jockey Exclusive Brand Outlets, leading online marketplaces, and on www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across major metro cities. Supporting the launch is a youth-centric, multi-platform campaign featuring an energetic brand film, strong digital storytelling, and immersive in-store experiences aimed at spotlighting the collection’s blend of comfort, versatility, and modern style.


Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Hosts 15th Edition of Brides of India Showcase in New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s leading and most trusted jewellery brands, hosted a special edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign at its South Extension Part 2 showroom in New Delhi. The showcase celebrated the wide range of bridal styles and traditions that shape weddings in Delhi and across India.

Now in its 15th year, Brides of India has grown into one of the country’s most recognised bridal jewellery platforms. The campaign honours how every bride carries her rituals, memories and identity into the jewellery she chooses for her wedding. The current national edition features 22 brides from across India along with 10 well-known film personalities, reflecting the cultural diversity and emotional depth that the initiative represents.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Thanseer K K, Showroom Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, South Extension Part 2, New Delhi, said, “South Extension Part 2 has always been a starting point for many Delhi families when they plan wedding jewellery. We meet brides who want classic heirloom pieces for traditional ceremonies, lighter designs for destination functions and contemporary sets for receptions, often in a single visit. With the 15th edition of Brides of India coming to our showroom, we created a focused experience around this reality. Our aim is to help every bride and her family find jewellery that respects their customs, sits comfortably through long celebrations and matches the way they have always imagined themselves on their wedding day.”

The event was graced by Ms. Arpanaa Agarwal, Luxury Consultant and Brand Strategist, Founder of Wonder Women Connect, President of Wonder Women Elite Club, India Chairperson – Business Networking, All Ladies League, and Director at Magneto Cleantech, as the Chief Guest. She interacted with guests, brides-to-be and couples, and joined the celebrations that highlighted the importance of jewellery in expressing identity, confidence and personal style during weddings.

The campaign came alive through a thoughtfully curated in-store experience. Select models and customers walked the ramp wearing Malabar’s bridal creations, showcasing complete looks for different wedding functions. An in-store photoshoot with brides-to-be and recently married couples from New Delhi captured how real families plan and build their bridal trousseau with the brand. The atmosphere blended the energy of a fashion showcase with the warmth of an authentic wedding shopping experience.

During the showcase, the South Extension Part 2 showroom presented an extensive range of bridal jewellery, including classic North Indian designs, regional inspirations from across the country and modern silhouettes suited for cross-cultural weddings. Guests explored necklaces, chokers, long necklaces, bangles, bridal earrings, mangalsutras and rings, all crafted with a strong focus on purity, finish and wearability, keeping in mind the multiple events of a contemporary wedding.

With the successful completion of the Brides of India showcase in New Delhi, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has further strengthened its connection with bridal shoppers in the capital who seek jewellery that blends cultural authenticity, thoughtful design and the assurance of a trusted brand.

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