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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 April 1, 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Pvt Ltd) to introduce InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place. The 216-key hotel is set to reopen under the InterContinental brand after a planned renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2029. This move aligns with IHG’s focus on expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across key destinations in India.
Located in Nehru Place, one of Delhi’s busiest business districts, the hotel is positioned to cater to both corporate and leisure travellers. The area’s mix of offices, embassies, and well-known attractions makes it a strong location for a luxury hospitality offering.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, known as one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, continues to grow its presence globally and in India. With a strong pipeline and recent signings in destinations like Kasauli and Kodaikanal, the brand is steadily building its footprint across both city and resort locations. This latest signing in the national capital marks another important step in its growth journey in India.
Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to once again partner with Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Private Limited) to bring our global luxury brand, InterContinental to the national capital. South Delhi’s blend of corporate offices, embassies, and landmark attractions makes it an ideal location for a hotel of this caliber. Further strengthening our existing association with Eros Group, we look forward to creating a destination that supports both business and leisure demand while offering a luxury hospitality experience to our discerning guests.”
He further added, “Delhi is one of the most stable hospitality markets in the country and is characterized by a robust occupancy and ADR. With InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place, we will be positioned to strengthen our presence in one of India’s most vital economic hubs and deliver world-class hospitality.”
The hotel will feature 216 guest rooms and suites, along with multiple dining options including restaurants, a bar, and a lobby lounge. It will also offer extensive meeting and event spaces, including a grand ballroom, smaller meeting rooms, and landscaped outdoor areas suited for weddings and corporate events. Guests can also expect premium recreational facilities such as a spa, health club, and swimming pool designed for relaxation.
Mr Satish Sood, Managing Director, Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Pvt Ltd) added, “We are proud to further strengthen our existing relationship and again partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the InterContinental brand back to this iconic site. We are confident the hotel will be a great success - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is a true industry leader in luxury hospitality that resonates with discerning travelers all over the world. Additionally, we are certain leveraging IHG's enterprise systems and loyalty program will maximize returns and strengthen our competitive advantage. This partnership aligns with our long-term vision of developing landmark hospitality assets in India’s most dynamic cities, and we look forward to welcoming our guests as we open doors as the “InterContinental Eros” hotel.”
Originally launched in 1996 and previously managed under the InterContinental brand, the property later operated as Eros Hotel New Delhi before this new agreement. Its location offers easy access to Nehru Place Metro Station and is within a 30–35 minute drive from Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is also close to popular landmarks such as the Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Mandir, making it a convenient stay option for travellers.
With this signing, IHG continues to strengthen its presence in India, where it currently operates 51 hotels across six brands and has a strong pipeline of upcoming properties. The company aims to significantly expand its portfolio in the coming years, targeting over 400 hotels across the country.
Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts has officially announced the grand opening of Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi, marking a new addition to the region’s hospitality landscape. Set along the Hubli - Sirsi main road, the property offers easy connectivity between Bangalore and Goa, making it a convenient getaway for travellers looking to unwind in nature.
Surrounded by the lush greenery of northern Karnataka, the resort is designed as a peaceful retreat where natural surroundings blend seamlessly with modern design. The property features 40 keys, including exclusive suites, each thoughtfully planned to offer comfort along with a clean and contemporary look. Every space reflects a balance of style and functionality, staying true to Essentia’s approach to creating meaningful guest experiences.
Dining at the resort brings together a variety of flavours. Guests can enjoy a mix of global and regional dishes at Citron, the all-day dining restaurant, or explore vegetarian specialties at The Indian Leaf, known for its signature thali. For a more relaxed setting, Nirvana Lounge Bar offers an indoor space ideal for drinks and quiet conversations.
The resort is also well-equipped to host celebrations and gatherings. From the spacious Omkar Lawn, noted as the largest in Sirsi, to an elegant ballroom and flexible convention hall, the venues cater to weddings, social events, and corporate functions. At the same time, the location allows guests to explore nearby attractions such as waterfalls, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries, adding to the overall experience.
The grand opening saw the presence of industry leaders, guests, and local dignitaries, marking an important milestone for the brand in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohammed Parvez, CEO, Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts, shared, "The opening of Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi is a significant milestone in our journey to create immersive and meaningful hospitality experiences. Inspired by Sirsi’s natural beauty and cultural richness, we envisioned a destination that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. This resort reflects our commitment to intuitive service, thoughtful design, and experiences that resonate with today’s discerning traveler.”
With this launch, Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi aims to offer a well-rounded stay experience, combining comfort, location, and thoughtful hospitality, while setting a new direction for experiential stays in Karnataka.
By Author
Published on March 31, 2026
India’s hospitality industry is entering a defining growth phase, with skill development taking centre stage under the national vision led by Nirmala Sitharaman. The direction is clear. The industry needs talent that is not just qualified, but ready to perform from day one.
Yet, a critical gap continues to hold hotels back.
Every year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce with a strong understanding of hospitality fundamentals. They know the processes, the standards, and the theory. But when real pressure hits, when guest complaints escalate, when operations peak, when coordination breaks down, many struggle to respond effectively.
The problem is not knowledge. It is performance readiness.
Across the industry, this gap shows up in tangible ways. Complaints take longer to resolve, peak-hour service becomes inconsistent, and teams spend valuable time reteaching basics during live operations. With rising attrition and constant rehiring, the cycle continues, impacting both service quality and operational efficiency.
HOSPI Sigma™ is built to change this reality.
A CPD UK accredited operational excellence programme, HOSPI Sigma™ is designed specifically for the hospitality industry to bridge the gap between learning and execution. It focuses on transforming how individuals think, respond, and perform in real operational environments where every moment matters.
The approach goes beyond traditional training. It develops judgment under pressure, strengthens understanding of how departments connect, and drives consistency in execution. Inspired by structured methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, it brings discipline, clarity, and measurable improvement into hospitality operations.
At the core of HOSPI Sigma™ is deep industry experience. Founded by Sanjeev Kumar, with over three decades across leading brands such as Taj, ITC, Starwood, and Premier Inn, the programme is shaped by real challenges faced on the floor, not classroom assumptions. It is practical, focused, and aligned with what hotels truly need today.
Its impact is felt across the ecosystem. Hotels benefit from faster onboarding, more reliable teams, and consistent service delivery. Institutes gain stronger placement outcomes and a clear industry-aligned edge. Students and professionals step into their careers with confidence, clarity, and the ability to perform under pressure.
The shift in hospitality is already underway. Success is no longer defined by what professionals know, but by how they perform when it matters most.
HOSPI Sigma™ delivers exactly that capability.
Where structured thinking meets real hospitality, HOSPI Sigma™ is building a new generation of professionals who are not just trained, but truly performance ready.
https://www.hospisigma.com/
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