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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 December 23, 2025
Suba Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Comfort Inn Emerald, Dapoli, marking the launch of a boutique hospitality offering in one of Maharashtra’s emerging leisure destinations. With this addition, the group strengthens its presence in the state, where it already operates hotels in Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad.
Commenting on the opening, Mansur Mehta, Managing Director of Suba Hotels Limited, said, “Dapoli has emerged as one of the favourite destinations for travellers in Maharashtra. We intend to provide these discerning travellers with well-thought-out hospitality.”
Sharing the company’s expansion plans, Mubeen Mehta, CEO of Suba Hotels Limited, said, “Though we are headquartered in Maharashtra, we currently have a limited presence in the state. We plan to open several properties in key cities across Maharashtra to consolidate our position as one of the leading hospitality players in the region.”
Located along the scenic Dapoli–Harnai Road, Comfort Inn Emerald blends the natural beauty of the Konkan coast with contemporary hospitality. The boutique hotel features an elegant Anglo-Gothic façade and offers well-appointed rooms across four distinct categories, designed to provide guests with a warm and comfortable stay.
The property includes a multi-cuisine restaurant, Eat Local, a rooftop Aqua Lounge Bar, and a range of leisure amenities tailored for relaxed coastal getaways. Its strategic location places guests close to popular beaches, temples, and other sightseeing attractions in and around Dapoli, making it suitable for both leisure travellers and short retreats.
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Elan Group has announced the inauguration of the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Gurugram Dwarka Expressway at its landmark mixed-use development, Elan Miracle Mall, located in Sector 84, Gurugram. The hotel was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), with Bollywood actress Zareen Khan also joining the inaugural ceremony, marking a key moment for the region’s hospitality and lifestyle landscape.
Developed by AS Hotels & Residences Private Limited and franchised under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, the Ramada Encore hotel strengthens Elan Miracle Mall’s integrated retail and hospitality ecosystem. The hotel brings contemporary design, modern comfort and upscale amenities to one of Gurugram’s rapidly developing residential and commercial corridors along the Dwarka Expressway.
Located within Elan Miracle Mall, the hotel features 91 spacious guest rooms, including well-appointed suites. The property offers a range of facilities such as an all-day dining restaurant, a fully equipped fitness centre, banquet halls, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a party deck, making it suitable for both corporate and social gatherings.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, said, “India is witnessing a new era of hospitality where global brands and Indian developers are coming together to create destinations of international standards. The opening of Ramada Encore Hotel by Wyndham at Elan Miracle Mall is a strong step in that direction.”
Commenting on the opening, Ms. Venika Kapoor, Executive Vice President – CRM, Elan Group, said, “The response to Elan Miracle Mall has been overwhelmingly encouraging. In a remarkably short span, it has emerged as the largest and most vibrant retail destination for Sector 84 and the wider Dwarka Expressway corridor. This achievement reflects the deep trust of our customers and the strength of our brand ecosystem featuring leading national and international brands. With the Ramada Encore Hotel by Wyndham now operational within the premises, Elan Miracle is evolving into a fully integrated hub of retail and hospitality. The addition of a premium hotel further enhances the overall experience, offering guests seamless access to stay, shop, dine and indulge in leisure, all within one dynamic destination.”
Mr. Amar Bharati, Director, AS Hotels & Residences Pvt. Ltd., added, “We are extremely excited to bring the dynamic Ramada Encore brand to Gurugram. This project reflects our commitment to delivering smart, modern hospitality that aligns with the evolving needs of today's traveller. Its strategic location at Elan Miracle Mall positions the hotel as a go-to destination for business, leisure and celebrations.”
Elan Miracle Mall, the largest retail destination in Sector 84 on the Dwarka Expressway, enjoys excellent connectivity to NH-8, IGI Airport and major business districts such as Cyber City, Udyog Vihar and Manesar. With strong weekday and weekend footfall, the mall has quickly emerged as one of Gurugram’s prominent lifestyle and leisure destinations.
With over 100 operational and upcoming national and international brands, Elan Miracle Mall continues to strengthen its positioning as a comprehensive destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and hospitality. The addition of Ramada Encore by Wyndham further enhances its appeal as an integrated, one-stop lifestyle hub.
AS Hotels & Residences Private Limited is an emerging hospitality venture focused on delivering quality infrastructure and guest-centric experiences through strategic partnerships, with a vision to redefine modern hospitality in India.
By Hariharan U
Published on December 22, 2025
Heritage-led development took center stage at Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas, where Mr. Sandip Nowlakha, Vice President of the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society, addressed delegates on “Havelis to Heritage: Unveiling the Legacy of Rajasthan’s Pioneering Entrepreneurs.” Drawing parallels between Rajasthan’s iconic havelis and Bengal’s historic homes, he highlighted the national relevance of preserving heritage while fostering economic sustainability.
Rajasthan has over a million havelis, many left neglected as owners migrated to cities like Kolkata. Bengal faces similar challenges with its rajbaris, kothis, and merchant houses. Mr. Nowlakha advocated adaptive reuse, transforming historic homes into museums of family history that preserve architecture as well as the entrepreneurial legacies of generations.
Citing successful restorations in Murshidabad, including Kathgola Palace, Bari Kothi, Jagat Seth’s House, and Nashipur Rajbari, he emphasised the economic potential of conservation-led development. Kathgola Palace alone attracts 1.2 million visitors annually, while Jagat Seth’s House and Nashipur Rajbari each welcome around 1 million visitors yearly. “Heritage conservation can generate sustained visitor interest, local employment, and economic activity without compromising historical integrity,” he noted.
Mr. Nowlakha stressed that Rajasthan’s havelis, as historical repositories, require sensitive interpretation rather than structural reinvention. With contemporary conservation practices and curated narratives, these properties can become living history spaces, encouraging cultural exchange and tourism while keeping shared heritage alive for future generations.
Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas also featured sessions on investment opportunities in education, healthcare, and tourism, highlighting the strategic role of cultural assets in development. The event saw participation from dignitaries including Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture; Smt. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan; and Mr. Sundeep Bhutoria, Managing Trustee, Prabha Khaitan Foundation, Kolkata.
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