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.


Imagicaa Invites Couples to Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with Thrills and Romance

Imagicaa Invites Couples to Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with Thrills and Romance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

This Valentine’s season, Imagicaa Theme Park offers couples a refreshing way to celebrate love, where romance blends seamlessly with thrill and entertainment. From 13th to 15th February 2026, the park transforms into a vibrant destination designed for couples seeking memorable experiences filled with excitement, fun, and togetherness.

Set against the backdrop of high-energy rides, themed attractions, and lively entertainment, couples can rediscover their playful side as they explore the park together. Beautifully designed photo spots across Imagicaa provide the perfect setting to capture special moments, making the celebration both immersive and memorable.

As the day moves into evening, the atmosphere turns more intimate with specially curated candle-lit dining experiences near the Lagoon Area. Soft music and ambient lighting create a romantic setting where couples can unwind before concluding the night with Imagicaa’s spectacular musical fountain show, adding a magical finale to the celebration.

To make planning seamless, Imagicaa has introduced exclusive Valentine’s packages for couples. The Couple Package is available for two, includes theme park access, a romantic candle-lit dinner, two glasses of wine or mocktails, a photo souvenir, and a gift voucher. The package offers a complete day of adventure and romance within a single destination.

For couples looking to extend their celebration into a short getaway, Imagicaa’s Tent Camping experience is available at special price per couple. This experience includes theme park tickets, a one-night and two-day tent stay with water bottles, a romantic candle-lit dinner with wine or mocktails, and breakfast the following morning. With check-in on 14th February and check-out on 15th February, the experience combines comfort, adventure, and romance under the stars.

With its unique mix of thrilling rides, entertainment, dining experiences, and romantic settings, Imagicaa presents couples with an opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a shared adventure, creating moments filled with laughter, excitement, and lasting memories.

Event Details

  • Offer: Valentine’s Weekend Filled with Thrills

    • The Couple Package, available with special price for two from 13th to 15th February 2026

    • Tent Camping, available with a special price per couple on 14th February 2026 | 1 Night / 2 Days

  • Where: Imagicaa Theme Park, 30/31 Sangdewadi, Khopoli-Pali Road, Near Lonavala, Khalapur, 410203, Maharashtra, India.

  • When: 13 to 15 February, 2025.


ELIVAAS Crosses 620 Villas, Targets Portfolio Expansion in 2026

ELIVAAS Crosses 620 Villas, Targets Portfolio Expansion in 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

Luxury villa hospitality platform ELIVAAS has scaled its operational portfolio to approximately 620 villas within two years of launch, positioning itself among the fastest-growing organised players in India’s villa hospitality segment.

Since its inception, ELIVAAS has hosted over 3 lakh guests, with guest volumes growing 2.7 times between December 2023 and December 2025. This growth has been largely driven by increasing demand for group travel, private celebrations, and corporate offsites, as travellers seek exclusive and experience-led accommodation formats.

Despite rapid expansion, ELIVAAS has maintained stable operational performance. Around 95 percent of guest stays have received five-star ratings, reflecting consistency across service delivery, property management, and overall guest experience. The company attributes this performance to a balanced approach towards scaling supply while strengthening operational processes.

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Commenting on the growth journey, Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO, ELIVAAS, said, “Scaling supply without compromising operations is the biggest challenge in villa hospitality. For a sustainable business, the three wheels of supply, demand, and guest experience and operations have to scale at the same pace. Guest feedback at this level gives us confidence as we move into the next phase of growth.”

ELIVAAS currently has a strong presence across North and West India, which continue to account for the majority of bookings. Alongside geographical expansion, the platform has focused on enhancing experience-led offerings across its portfolio. Most villas support services such as private chefs, spa treatments, customised décor, live entertainment, and concierge-led experiences, catering to leisure travellers as well as event-led stays.

Looking ahead, ELIVAAS plans to more than double its portfolio to over 1,200 villas in 2026. The expansion will be supported by sustained demand and deeper penetration across key leisure destinations and event-driven markets, reinforcing the brand’s long-term growth strategy in India’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.


Union Budget 2026 Sparks Mixed Reactions Across Hospitality and Allied Sectors

Union Budget 2026 Sparks Mixed Reactions Across Hospitality and Allied Sectors

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 4, 2026

The Union Budget 2026-27 has drawn varied responses from hospitality professionals and industry leaders, reflecting a balance between short-term operational challenges and long-term structural benefits. While the Budget signals continued support for infrastructure and domestic value chains, experts note that certain cost-related measures may impact pricing and margins within the hospitality ecosystem.

Anuj Mittal, Founder of Paprika Park, described the Budget as having a mixed impact on the food and beverage sector. He noted that select duty reductions could support domestic production and processing, while other measures may increase operating costs for eateries and cafes.

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“Indian Union Budget 2026-27 had a mixed impact on the food & beverage (F&B) sector: some production inputs and processing equipment became cheaper due to duty reductions (e.g., seafood processing inputs and microwave parts), supporting domestic value chains, while costs rose for others most notably commercial LPG for kitchens and imported coffee machines now facing higher duties which could push up prices for cafes and eateries. The Budget also continues to support broader agri-food infrastructure and supply-chain improvements, benefiting long-term F&B competitiveness.”

From a manufacturing and allied industry perspective, Suraj Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer at HNGIL, highlighted the positive implications of tariff rationalisation for India’s glass manufacturing sector, especially in the export market.

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“This tariff cut from 50% to 18% is a game-changer for India's glass manufacturing sector, particularly for container glass exports to the US, where demand in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics packaging is robust. It levels the playing field against subsidized imports from other countries like China, potentially increasing our export volumes by 20-30% in the coming years.”

He further added that the move could encourage capacity utilisation, sustainable investments, and job creation across manufacturing hubs, aligning with India’s broader export ambitions.

Taken together, the reactions suggest that while hospitality and allied sectors may face selective cost pressures in the near term, the Union Budget 2026-27 lays the groundwork for long-term competitiveness, stronger supply chains, and global market integration. The coming months will reveal how businesses adapt these policy signals into growth strategies.

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