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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 4, 2026
Renowned industrialist and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Dollar Industries Limited, Shri Dindayal Gupta, passed away today in Kolkata due to age-related ailments. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter not only for the company but also for India’s hosiery and apparel industry.
A visionary who shaped the company’s growth for more than five decades, Shri Gupta led Dollar Industries Limited with strong commitment and clarity. What began as a modest venture eventually grew into one of India’s leading hosiery and apparel brands, with the company expanding into a Rs 1700+ crore conglomerate under his leadership.
Born on 13th September, 1937, in Manheru village in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, Shri Gupta came from a humble background. Despite limited resources, he built his journey with determination and a clear vision. In 1962, he moved to Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), where he began manufacturing and selling hosiery products designed to suit customers’ budgets and needs. He focused on building manufacturing and finishing facilities while also creating a strong retail and distribution network, including markets that were often overlooked by others.
Driven by a desire to build something meaningful, he laid the foundation of Dollar Industries Limited in 1972. Over time, the brand became a trusted household name known for quality and innovation. Dollar was also among the early companies to expand into underserved regions such as Madhya Pradesh (now MP & Chhattisgarh), the Seven Sisters of North East India, and hill regions like Darjeeling in the eastern Himalayas.
Beyond his business achievements, Shri Gupta remained deeply involved in social and community initiatives. He was actively associated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and held key roles within the Bengal Pratinidhi Sabha. He also served as the former Vice-President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and contributed to Paropakarini Sabha of Ajmer, known for preserving the legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. In Kolkata, he also initiated the Burns unit and related infrastructure at the Marwari Relief Society.
His contributions to education were equally notable. Shri Gupta was the Founding Father of Haryana Vidya Mandir, a CBSE school in Bidhannagar, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal. He supported Gurukuls as a co-founder and sponsor, and also played a key role in reviving the school in his native village, Manheru. His efforts reflected a strong belief that access to education is essential for social progress and national development.
He also supported organisations working in elderly care, including Maharshi Dayanand Yogashram Tripura and Sukhanand Foundation, leaving a lasting impact beyond the business world.
Over the years, Shri Gupta received several recognitions for his contributions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Bengal Hosiery Association and the Sanmarg Business Award.
Shri Dindayal Gupta is survived by his wife, four sons, and grandchildren, who continue to lead and grow the Dollar Industries business legacy.
amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the signing of a new cluster of bungalows in Port Blair, marking its entry into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience-led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.”
The upcoming amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair will feature ten bungalows set in lush green surroundings, located within walking distance from Manjery beach. The property will include a restaurant along with a range of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore activities like snorkelling in clear waters and experiencing the region’s unique colonial and tribal heritage.
Known for offering stays that reflect local culture and heritage, amã Stays & Trails continues to expand its presence across scenic destinations in India. The portfolio already includes over 370 bungalows across locations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, among others.
Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its scenic beaches such as Chidiya Tapu and landmarks like the Cellular Jail, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.
With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations, while expanding its homestay portfolio to meet the rising demand for experience-driven travel.
Rise Infraventures has successfully closed a 45,000 sq. ft. GCC office space deal within the DLF portfolio for a leading global insurance broking firm. The transaction stands out not just for its size, but for the way it was structured to meet specific client needs within a limited timeframe.
The requirement came with its own set of challenges. The client was looking to expand and relocate quickly, while also wanting to stay within a building they strongly preferred. With limited availability in such scenarios, the situation required a more thoughtful and flexible approach.
Rise Infraventures addressed this by working closely within the existing ecosystem and identifying an opportunity that could benefit all parties involved. The team advised an existing energy company to shift to a space that better suited its budget and changing workplace needs. This move helped free up a larger office space, which was then made available for the incoming firm.
Speaking about the deal, Sonakshi Wadhawan, CBO, Rise Infraventures, said:
“This was a well-aligned mandate where the client was keen to expand within the DLF ecosystem, with clear timelines and space expectations in place. While availability is often a constraint in such scenarios, it also presents an opportunity to think more collaboratively. By working closely with an existing energy occupier and understanding their evolving workspace and cost priorities, we were able to facilitate a relocation that suited them better, while unlocking the required space for the incoming firm. The process came together smoothly through parallel coordination, resulting in a timely and efficient outcome that worked well for both occupiers.”
The deal highlights Rise Infraventures’ approach of going beyond regular transactions by focusing on practical solutions within existing setups. By aligning timelines, occupier needs and available inventory, the team was able to turn a complex requirement into a smooth and balanced outcome for everyone involved.
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