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.


Smarter Hotel Communication with Samsung Signage by Palaniappa electronics

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 17, 2026

Clear and timely communication plays a key role in shaping a guest’s experience at any hotel. Samsung Signage Displays: QB, QM, and QH series, that are designed to make this communication smarter, faster, and visually refined. Presented by Palaniappa electronics, these displays help hotels showcase information, promotions, and event updates in a seamless and professional manner, while also easing the workload for marketing and IT teams.

Built for flexibility, Samsung Signage supports both horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing hotels to design content based on the space available. With Samsung’s Content Management Software, teams can schedule content in advance, update displays instantly, and control everything remotely with just a system and internet access. This eliminates the need for manual updates and reduces operational effort.

Marketing and IT teams no longer have to redesign layouts repeatedly, carry pen drives to each screen, or depend on unstable third-party media players with complex wiring. With ready-made templates, centralized control, and reliable built-in media players, the system ensures consistent branding across the property while saving time and reducing errors.

Across hotels, Samsung Signage Displays serve multiple touchpoints. In lobby areas, they can display banquet schedules, welcome messages, and promotional offers. At banquet hall entrances, they guide guests with event names and agendas. Fine-dine restaurant entrances can highlight menus, offers, and timings. Lift lobbies can share hotel information and in-house promotions, while spa and pool areas can present service details, safety information, and operating hours. Each display can run location-specific content, scheduled according to time or event, ensuring that guests always receive relevant updates.

For spaces where wall mounting may not be feasible, Palaniappa electronics provides elegant integration solutions. These include floor-standing kiosks, A-type kiosks, and K-type kiosks that enhance visibility while adding a modern and fashionable touch to hotel interiors. Ideal for lobbies and high-traffic areas, these solutions combine stability with strong brand presence.

With long years of expertise in hospitality based electronics and bringing quality products that define long lasting function for years, Palaniappa electronics continues to be trusted by many customers for reliable and durable solutions.

For hotel owners, GMs, and marketing teams, Samsung Signage Displays offer a clean, scalable, and professional communication platform without unnecessary complexity. Hotels still relying on pen drives or third-party media players can now consider upgrading to a more streamlined system.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

By Author

Published on February 17, 2026

In a moment of pride for design-led education in India, five students from the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) were felicitated for their Systems Design project developed for the Taj Restaurant under the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The honour was conferred by Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 13 February at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of industry-linked academic projects and the role of design thinking in addressing complex, real-world systems within India’s hospitality and tourism sector. The project reflects how academic institutions are increasingly contributing practical solutions to public-sector organisations.

The interdisciplinary student team included Harsh Warrier, Susnitha Sivaraju, Yashika Bhatt, Rashi Bhagre, and Ritika Malik. The project was carried out under the mentorship of Binil Mohan, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design, JKLU. The team conducted extensive initial research for both the Taj Mahal and ITDC, which formed the foundation for the systems design interventions proposed.

The final presentation was divided into three well-defined segments. The first segment focused on research related to the Taj Mahal, followed by the development of a solution framework led by Harsh Warrier, Rashi Bhagre, and Susnitha Sivaraju. The second segment presented research and detailed solutions for India Tourism Development Corporation, developed by the same team members. The final segment showcased the specific solution work and contributions undertaken by Ritika Malik.

“The felicitation is a proud moment for the university and underscores the impact of industry-linked, research-driven design education in addressing complex systems,” said A Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design, JKLU.

The recognition reinforces JKLU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement with industry partners. It also stands as a testament to the quality of work being produced by students at the Institute of Design.

The students were felicitated during a double commemoration event celebrating 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of the Ashok Hotel. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram also graced the ceremony with his presence.


Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

By Hariharan U

Published on February 17, 2026

Novotel New Delhi City Centre marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year since commencing operations in the heart of the capital. The occasion was attended by Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia; Vineet Mishra, Vice President – Premium, Midscale & Economy, South Asia; and Saumitra Chaturvedi, General Manager, reflecting on a year defined by operational excellence, guest satisfaction and strategic market positioning.

Over the past year, the hotel successfully completed its launch phase, beginning with a grand press conference and media showcase that supported strong corporate onboarding. A key highlight was the introduction of The Flying Trunk, a distinctive food and beverage concept that enhanced the hotel’s culinary portfolio and broadened its appeal among resident and non-resident guests alike.

Since opening, the property has positioned itself as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers, supported by its central location, contemporary accommodations and thoughtfully curated dining and wellness facilities. During its pilot phase, the hotel also received early industry recognition, underscoring its consistent service standards and operational performance.

Speaking on the milestone, Saumitra Chaturvedi said the inaugural year focused on building strong operational foundations and fostering a service culture aligned with Accor’s people-centric hospitality values. He added that the encouraging response from guests and partners continues to drive the team toward delivering refined and consistent experiences.

As it steps into its second year, Novotel New Delhi City Centre aims to deepen guest engagement, expand its food and beverage offerings and further strengthen its standing as a leading hospitality destination in central New Delhi.

Part of Accor, Novotel operates over 600 hotels across more than 60 countries and participates in the ALL Accor loyalty programme, offering guests access to a wide range of rewards and experiences worldwide.

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