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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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By Hariharan U
Published on October 31, 2025
The much-awaited second edition of Manotsava – India’s National Mental Health Festival is returning to Bengaluru this November at The Lalit Ashok. Organised by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the festival promises two days of meaningful conversations, interactive sessions, and creative engagement around the theme of mental well-being.
This free and open-to-all event brings together experts, researchers, and the general public to explore how mental health connects to our everyday lives. From genetic research, psychedelics, and gut microbiome science to more relatable themes such as workplace burnout, parenting, aging, maternal health, and technology’s influence on mental well-being, the festival will touch on it all.
Visitors can look forward to an array of experiences, including panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, stalls and exhibits, discussion circles, and live music performances. For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s zone, ensuring an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all ages.
Manotsava isn’t just an event, it’s a movement to bring mental health into public spaces, making conversations about the mind as normal and open as any other aspect of life.
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group, has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Pondicherry, further expanding its luxury footprint in South India. The upcoming property will be a greenfield project, developed in partnership with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare.
Spread across 52 acres, the 180-key Taj Pondicherry will offer panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Located on the outskirts of White Town, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar, and a lounge, bringing together refined gastronomy and timeless elegance.
Guests can unwind with Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, which offers holistic spa therapies and wellness treatments. The property will also include a gym, swimming pool, and multiple recreational amenities for a complete leisure experience.
Designed to host grand social gatherings, the hotel will feature the largest indoor banquet hall in the region, spanning 10,700 sq. ft., along with exclusive beachfront lawns ideal for weddings and outdoor events.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,
“Pondicherry has witnessed a steady rise in domestic travel and a rebound in foreign arrivals, reinforcing its position as a key leisure destination. The addition of Taj Pondicherry will cater to the growing demand for large-scale social events in the region. We are delighted to partner with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan for this project.”
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, MGM Healthcare, added,
“We are happy to venture into the hospitality sector with IHCL. This hotel will be a landmark destination in the region.”
Known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches, and spiritual ambience, Pondicherry continues to attract travellers from across the world. Popular attractions such as Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Oussudu Bird Sanctuary, and the Puducherry Canyon add to its appeal as a cultural and wellness retreat.
About the Owning Company:
MGM Healthcare is a diversified entrepreneurial venture by Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, operating three hospitals in Chennai, one in Vizag, and two upcoming projects in Chennai. He also serves as the Chancellor of a renowned university that runs medical colleges in both Puducherry and Chennai.
With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence across India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, combining luxury, heritage, and hospitality excellence under the Taj brand.
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of its latest managed property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, further strengthening its presence in Gujarat, one of India’s most vibrant industrial and business destinations.
Strategically located in the ceramic capital of India, the new hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its prime location offers excellent connectivity to nearby industrial and commercial hubs such as Rajkot and Jamnagar, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests, traders, and tourists visiting the region.
The hotel features 69 well-appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. Guests can savour diverse flavours at Citrus Café, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, European, and Pan-Asian delicacies.
For events and gatherings, the hotel offers extensive banqueting spaces including Tangerine Grand and Tangerine Lawn, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, perfect for business meetings, conferences, and social celebrations.
Additional amenities include a spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.
The property also provides convenient access to some of Morbi’s popular attractions, such as Mani Mandir, Green Tower, Wellingdon Secretariat, and Nehru Gate, adding a touch of local charm to every stay.
Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said,
“Morbi is one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing cities, known globally for its ceramic industry and entrepreneurial spirit. With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, we are delighted to announce the 10th operational property in Gujarat to bring our signature comfort, warmth, and value to both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant city.”
With this opening, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to expand its footprint across India, offering exceptional hospitality experiences rooted in comfort, quality, and value.
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