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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.
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 works — Vetrikku 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Published on May 3, 2026
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) reported a strong performance in FY 2025–26, driven by steady growth in passenger traffic, better global connectivity, and consistent cargo movement. The airport handled 44.47 million passengers during the year, marking a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase, along with 532,000 metric tonnes of cargo, which saw a 6 per cent rise.
International traffic played a major role in this growth, increasing by 23.9 per cent to reach 7.23 million passengers. Domestic traffic also saw an uptick, growing by 3.3 per cent to 37.24 million passengers. This performance reflects Bengaluru’s continued position as a leading business and innovation hub, maintaining steady progress despite global challenges.
Transfer traffic saw notable growth, rising by around 22 per cent year-on-year and contributing 15.7 per cent to the total passenger numbers. While domestic transfers grew by 3.2 per cent, international transfer traffic expanded by over 50 per cent, indicating the airport’s growing importance as a transit hub. The ‘Connections by BLR’ initiative played a key role in improving transfer experiences and strengthening airline partnerships.
The airport also expanded its global reach by adding new international destinations such as Hanoi and Riyadh. Frequencies were increased on several important routes, including London Heathrow, Bangkok, Bahrain, Jeddah, Phuket, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Munich, and Mauritius. Among the busiest international routes were Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, London Heathrow, and Kuala Lumpur. On the domestic side, major routes included Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with new connections to Navi Mumbai, Jaisalmer, Bidar, Silchar, and Dimapur.
Operational activity grew in line with passenger traffic, with 280,800 air traffic movements recorded during the year, up 4.5 per cent. The airport handled an average of 769 daily movements, with a peak of 837 in a single day. Passenger traffic also reached a daily high of 139,111.
Cargo operations remained strong, supported by a network of 15 cargo airlines connecting to 38 destinations. BLR Airport continued to serve as an important link to global logistics hubs such as Chicago, Singapore, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Growth was driven by demand across segments like agri-perishables, pharmaceuticals, auto components, electronics, and e-commerce.
Perishables continued to be a key contributor, with the airport maintaining its position as India’s leading gateway for perishable exports for the fifth year in a row. The handling of around 60 million rose stems, along with increased exports of mango and coriander, highlights this strength. The launch of the AISATS BLR Logistics Park further improved cargo capacity and efficiency.
With consistent growth across both passenger and cargo segments, BLR Airport is steadily strengthening its role as a major aviation and logistics hub in India, supported by better connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on future-ready operations.
Published on May 2, 2026
Narwar Lakefront Resort, a luxury lakeside retreat in Shivpuri on the Sindh River in Madhya Pradesh, has introduced its ‘Summer Refresh Package’, offering a short yet refreshing escape for couples during the warmer months.
Designed as a 3-hour evening experience, the package runs daily between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. It brings together relaxation, wellness, and scenic moments, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick summer break without planning an overnight stay. Set against the calm lakefront and close to the Madhav Tiger Reserve, the experience combines both leisure and nature.
Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD, Lion Group, said, "With rising temperatures, the need for mindful cooling escapes grows stronger. Therefore, we have created an experience for guests to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature in the most refreshing and cool way".
The package includes access to the resort’s swimming pool, giving guests a chance to unwind with a refreshing dip during the afternoon. The experience is complemented by cold mocktails, fresh salads, and a selection of light and healthy snacks, keeping the overall offering simple yet enjoyable.
A key highlight of the package is the Morning Safari to the Madhav Tiger Reserve and a sunset cruise boating session. Guests can take in the changing colours of the evening sky while gliding across the calm waters, creating a memorable and peaceful end to the experience.
The Summer Refresh Package reflects the rising demand for short, premium experiences that offer a mix of comfort, wellness, and scenic beauty in a limited time.
The Forum Hotel & Convention has officially opened its doors in Ahmedabad, bringing a new scale of hospitality to the city. Launched on 29th April 2026, the property features 195 well-designed rooms and suites, and is seamlessly connected to the adjoining Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela, which adds another 192 upscale rooms along with wellness, dining, and leisure facilities. Together, the combined 387 rooms and suites strengthen Gujarat’s growing capacity to host large weddings, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.
Spread across approximately 12,00,000 sq ft, the property is built to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, making it one of the state’s larger event-focused hospitality developments. Supporting this scale is a parking facility for around 1,500 vehicles, offering ease for high-footfall events in a fast-growing city like Ahmedabad.
The property brings together strong infrastructure and service to create a complete hospitality destination. Its event spaces include over 32 modern banquet venues, highlighted by a grand pillarless ballroom spanning 40,000 sq. ft. Along with this, conference rooms, meeting spaces, and a well-equipped auditorium with advanced acoustics make it suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities. The ability to host multiple events at the same time adds to its operational strength.
Adding to the overall experience, The Forum Hotel & Convention introduces a range of dining and entertainment concepts. These include Aurii – a premium all-day dining restaurant serving global cuisines, +33 – The French Experience offering a unique culinary concept, and Risqué – a nightclub designed for vibrant nightlife. A fourth culinary concept is also set to open soon.
Speaking on the launch, Managing Director Mr. Kalpesh Prajapati said: “At The Forum Hotel & Convention, our vision was to build a destination that reflects the ambition and growth of Gujarat. This is not just about infrastructure or scale, it is about creating a place where people come together to celebrate, connect, and create memories. We invite everyone to come, experience, and make memories at The Forum, where every moment is designed to become a meaningful experience.”
With its scale, integrated design, and strong event infrastructure, The Forum Hotel & Convention is set to play an important role in shaping Gujarat’s hospitality landscape.
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