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.


Mogu Mogu Launches Global ‘Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew’ Campaign in India

Mogu Mogu Launches Global ‘Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew’ Campaign in India

By Hariharan U

Published on June 2, 2026

Mogu Mogu, the pioneer of the snackable drink category, has launched its latest global campaign in India, aiming to connect with Gen Z consumers through relatable everyday experiences and the brand’s signature sip-and-chew concept.

Titled “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew,” the campaign officially debuted in India on June 1 and explores the contrast between the frictionless digital experiences enjoyed by today’s generation and the unavoidable awkward moments encountered in real life. Through a series of humorous scenarios, the campaign positions Mogu Mogu as a playful companion for navigating uncomfortable social situations.

Developed by Thailand-based Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE), the campaign is built around consumer insights gathered across multiple international markets. Research conducted among Gen Z audiences identified three common awkward situations: maintaining uncomfortable eye contact with a stranger on public transport, being the only single person on a couples’ trip, and experiencing an underwhelming first online dating encounter.

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Each scenario forms part of the campaign’s creative narrative, built around the idea that while real-life moments cannot be skipped, they can be “chewed through” with Mogu Mogu’s unique beverage experience. The concept aligns with the brand’s “Tangible Fun” positioning, leveraging the sensory experience of chewing nata de coco pieces found in the drink.

Commenting on the campaign, Vikash Singhal, Director and Founder of Sunbeam Ventures, Mogu Mogu’s distribution partner in India, said the brand has already built a loyal consumer base in the country. He noted that flavours such as Lychee, Strawberry, and Grape continue to perform strongly, while Blackcurrant has seen encouraging consumer response since its launch. According to him, the campaign adds a compelling narrative that resonates with digitally connected consumers navigating real-world interactions.

The campaign will be promoted extensively across YouTube and Instagram, supported by influencer collaborations and e-commerce activations. The media strategy aims to achieve significant reach among India’s Gen Z audience while strengthening the brand’s visibility across digital platforms.

The launch also marks Mogu Mogu’s largest product expansion in India to date with the introduction of Mogu Mogu Candy and Mogu Mogu Ice Tea. The new product additions further expand the brand’s portfolio beyond its well-known fruit juice beverage range.

Piyajit Ruckariyapong, Chief Executive Officer of SAPPE, highlighted the growing influence of Generation Z in shaping global consumer trends. He stated that the campaign succeeds because it is built on authentic consumer insights and reinforced by a product experience that naturally supports the message. He also emphasized India’s strategic importance in the company’s long-term global growth plans.

Recognized as the world’s first fruit juice beverage containing nata de coco, Mogu Mogu pioneered the snackable drink segment and has since expanded its presence to more than 100 countries worldwide. With a growing product portfolio and increasing popularity among younger consumers, the brand continues to strengthen its position within the global beverage industry.


NARS Opens Its First Gurugram Store at Gurugram's Ambience Mall

NARS Opens Its First Gurugram Store at Gurugram's Ambience Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 2, 2026

Global beauty brand NARS has expanded its presence in India with the launch of its first store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall. The opening marks a significant addition to the city’s growing luxury retail landscape and further strengthens the mall’s portfolio of premium international brands.

Known for its trend-setting approach to beauty and its globally popular product range, NARS brings an immersive shopping experience to beauty enthusiasts in the National Capital Region. The new boutique showcases the brand’s renowned complexion, lip, eye, and skincare collections in a thoughtfully designed retail environment.

The store has been created to reflect NARS’ signature aesthetic, featuring sleek interiors, modern design elements, and a carefully curated display of products. The space is designed to offer customers an engaging beauty experience while highlighting the brand’s artistic and contemporary identity.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Luxury consumers today are seeking more than just products; they are looking for immersive brand experiences that reflect aspiration, individuality and global trends. The arrival of NARS at Ambience Mall further elevates our luxury retail portfolio and reinforces Gurugram’s emergence as a destination for premium international brands.”

Over the years, Ambience Mall has established itself as one of the leading luxury retail and lifestyle destinations in the NCR region, bringing together a wide range of international fashion, beauty, and gourmet brands under one roof.

With the addition of NARS, the mall continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for shoppers looking for globally recognised luxury brands and curated retail experiences.


District by Zomato Launches Inclusive Dining Toolkit for Restaurants

District by Zomato Launches Inclusive Dining Toolkit for Restaurants

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 1, 2026

District by Zomato has launched the Inclusive Dining Toolkit, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help restaurants create more accessible and inclusive dining spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and others with accessibility needs.

The toolkit has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Samarthyam, and The Association of People with Disability. Its development also involved consultations with persons with disabilities, restaurant partners, and accessibility experts to ensure practical and meaningful recommendations.

The initiative aims to help restaurants identify accessibility gaps, make operational improvements, and provide diners with greater visibility into accessibility-related information before they visit. In addition to promoting inclusion, the toolkit highlights how accessible dining spaces can support business growth through increased footfall, repeat visits, and larger group gatherings.

The launch event was attended by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who participated as the Chief Guest.

In a message shared during the launch, Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said that accessible dining environments are essential for enabling persons with disabilities to participate independently and with dignity in everyday public life. He described the toolkit as a practical resource that can help the hospitality industry build more inclusive spaces.

Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda noted that the initiative reflects a broader effort to make public spaces and experiences more accessible. She highlighted that while significant progress has been made through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Accessible India Campaign, accessibility and inclusion should become a standard part of infrastructure planning and service delivery across industries.

According to the company, India is home to more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, many of whom continue to face challenges while dining out due to inaccessible infrastructure and limited information about accessibility features at restaurants.

During consultations, restaurant operators expressed a willingness to improve accessibility but also highlighted practical challenges, particularly around infrastructure changes in leased properties. The toolkit has been designed to offer actionable recommendations that restaurants can implement within such operational constraints.

Alongside the launch of the toolkit, District by Zomato has also introduced several accessibility-focused features on its platform. These include improved support for screen-reader users, accessibility filters on dining pages, and AI-powered solutions aimed at helping users make more informed dining decisions based on their accessibility requirements.

Through this initiative, District by Zomato aims to encourage greater inclusivity within the hospitality sector while helping restaurants create welcoming experiences for a wider range of guests.

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