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.


Mumbai’s Mother’s Day Plans Get More Indulgent with Brunches, Workshops & Asian Feasts

Mumbai’s Mother’s Day Plans Get More Indulgent with Brunches, Workshops & Asian Feasts

By Hariharan U

Published on May 8, 2026

Mother’s Day in Mumbai is shaping up to be a celebration filled with indulgent brunches, interactive experiences, comforting Asian flavours, and thoughtful desserts. Across the city, restaurants and bars are curating unique experiences that go beyond the usual dining outing, turning the occasion into something more personal, social, and memorable.

At Alta Stella in Andheri, the celebrations begin even before Mother’s Day. Guests are invited to share photographs and meaningful memories with their mothers through a special social media contest, with the most heartfelt entry winning a complimentary dinner. On Mother’s Day itself, diners posting a story with their mothers can enjoy a complimentary dessert, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. Known for its elevated ambience and city views, Alta Stella offers the perfect setting for long conversations and family moments.

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Meanwhile, Onrique in Bandra is celebrating the occasion with a Floral Cupcake Workshop designed for mothers, daughters, and friends to spend quality time together. Guests can learn buttercream floral techniques, create edible cupcake bouquets, and take home recipe notes along with their handmade creations. The workshop combines creativity with dessert indulgence, making it a memorable experience beyond a traditional meal.

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For those looking for something playful and interactive, Baamee is hosting a special Brunch x Lip Gloss experience in collaboration with Krása. The concept pairs a relaxed brunch with a hands-on lip gloss making workshop, allowing guests to create customised glosses while enjoying food and conversations in a lively social setting.

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At Tipsy Tiger Garden Bar near Airport Road, Mother’s Day takes a bold turn with a Korean Food Festival. Guests can enjoy smoky grills, comforting bowls, and spice-forward Korean dishes designed for sharing. The experience focuses on flavour-packed comfort food, offering families a vibrant alternative to conventional brunches.

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Asian dining lovers can also head to Tokki and Tora, where the menu brings together sushi platters, ramen bowls, nigiri, and signature rolls for a leisurely Mother’s Day meal. Highlights include California Rolls, Hamachi Nigiri, Korean Ramen, Miso Ramen, and elaborate Sushi Boats crafted for group dining and celebrations.

In Lower Parel, Epitome is introducing its new “House & Brunch” experience on Mother’s Day. The brunch combines indulgent dishes with handcrafted beverages by Chandon and Don Julio, accompanied by live percussion performances by Potatofry Music. The experience also includes thoughtfully curated Jain options, making it accessible for diverse dining preferences.

From intimate workshops and dessert-led experiences to luxurious brunches and Korean comfort food, Mumbai’s hospitality scene is turning Mother’s Day into a citywide celebration of togetherness, flavour, and meaningful moments.


GRT Radisson Resorts Launch ‘Soulful Summer Stories’ for Coastal Getaways

GRT Radisson Resorts Launch ‘Soulful Summer Stories’ for Coastal Getaways

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

This summer, GRT Radisson Resorts is inviting travellers to slow down and reconnect with the charm of coastal holidays through its latest campaign, ‘Soulful Summer Stories’. Spread across Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay and Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, the initiative focuses on easy, meaningful, and experience-led getaways along the East Coast.

Located within comfortable driving distance from Chennai and easily accessible from Bengaluru, both resorts are designed for travellers looking for relaxed beach escapes, family vacations, romantic stays, weekend breaks, and pet-friendly holidays.

At Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay, guests can enjoy the specially curated Soulful Summer Offer starting from INR 13,500++ per night. The package includes GReaT Sunshine Breakfast at Bay Bistro, buffet or set-menu lunch or dinner, complimentary stay and meals for up to two children below 10 years, Cult Tea experiences, Radisson Rewards points, and access to GReaT Kathas — immersive story-led experiences inspired by Pondicherry. Guests travelling with pets can also enjoy the Pet Stay Free benefit.

Meanwhile, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram is offering its own version of the Soulful Summer Offer with a focus on expansive beachfront experiences. The package includes breakfast and dinner at Waters Edge Café, complimentary stay for up to two children below 10 years, family-friendly and pet-friendly experiences, Cult Tea sessions, and Radisson Rewards points. The resort’s spacious setting and beachside atmosphere make it ideal for group holidays and long weekend getaways.

A key highlight of the campaign is Katha, GRT Hotels’ signature storytelling-based experiential concept. Inspired by local culture, heritage, and the unique character of each destination, Katha is designed to offer travellers more than just a stay.

The experiences include wellness rituals, culinary trails, ATV rides, swimming and paddling activities, beach explorations, water sports, cultural adventures, heritage visits, and specially curated in-hotel activities. Guests can enjoy a mix of complimentary and customisable experiences, allowing them to create their own personalised summer memories.

Speaking about the initiative, Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “‘Soulful Summer Stories’ reimagines summer getaways to be more immersive yet accessible. Through Katha, we bring in local culture and stories, allowing guests to connect more deeply and take back meaningful memories.”

With immersive activities, scenic coastal settings, and thoughtfully designed experiences, GRT Radisson Resorts aims to offer travellers a refreshing and memorable summer by the sea.


A Timeless Legacy: Sir David Attenborough Turns 100

A Timeless Legacy: Sir David Attenborough Turns 100

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Even before the idea of something going “viral” existed, Sir David Attenborough was already capturing wildlife moments that stayed with audiences across the world. As the iconic broadcaster and natural historian turns 100 this week, Sony BBC Earth is celebrating the milestone with a special one-hour documentary, Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure, premiering on May 8 at 1 PM and 9 PM.

The documentary gives viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the making of one of the most influential wildlife series ever created. It brings together stories, insights and experiences from the original crew, offering a deeper understanding of the effort and vision that went into shaping a landmark in television history.

As tributes continue to come in from across the globe, several Indian personalities have also shared their admiration, reflecting on how Sir David Attenborough’s work has inspired generations.

Anupam Mittal, entrepreneur and angel investor said "Sir David Attenborough's life is not just a journey through time, but a timeless reminder of the responsibility we carry towards our planet. On his 100th Birthday we celebrate the legacy that has not only educated but awakened us all. Thank you for inspiring us, Sir."

Aman Gupta, Indian entrepreneur and angel investor said, "A very happy 100th Birthday to you, Sir David. Reaching 100 years is remarkable but touching billions of lives within those years is even more extraordinary. You have turned curiosity into a moment, you made people stop, look closer and truly value the incredible world around us. Thank you Sir David for leading with wisdom, grace and purpose for an entire century."

Aditya Narayan, singer & host shared, "Wishing Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th Birthday- A 100 years of life, and decades of inspiring the world. As someone who loves entertaining and connecting with people, I really admire the way Sir David has kept audiences across generations curious, amazed, and inspired by nature. That kind of storytelling is timeless."

Vishal Dadlani, music composer and performer added, "As a creative person, I really admire how Sir David Attenborough used storytelling to spark curiosity, awareness and respect for the natural world. His work reminds us that our planet is something we must cherish and protect. Wishing him a very happy 100th Birthday."

With Making Life on Earth, Sony BBC Earth brings audiences closer to the journey behind a series that has shaped television history and made Sir David Attenborough a household name across the world.

Watch Making Life on Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure premiering May 8 on Sony BBC Earth at 1 PM and 9 PM.

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