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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 2, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott has officially entered Andhra Pradesh with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, bringing its signature hospitality to one of India’s busiest spiritual destinations. The 130-key hotel marks the brand’s first presence in the state and is designed to cater to pilgrims, business travellers, and leisure guests alike.
Located in the temple city of Tirupati, home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the hotel benefits from strong connectivity. It is just a short 15 minutes’ drive from the railway station and around 20 minutes from Tirupati Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers arriving from across the country. The property blends a calm and welcoming atmosphere with modern comforts, offering a stay experience that feels both relaxing and efficient.
“This opening represents an important milestone in our growth strategy in India, as we continue to expand our footprint in high-demand destinations and enter newer markets with strong travel potential”. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International commented, “Tirupati is one of the country’s most prominent spiritual destinations, drawing significant year-round footfall, and establishing a presence here is a meaningful achievement for us. It reflects our ambition to serve a broader spectrum of guests and to bring trusted, high-quality hospitality to destinations where travel demand is both substantial and evolving. Courtyard by Marriott is well positioned to serve a destination like Tirupati, where travelers are looking for comfort, connectivity, and a stay experience that is both seamless and relevant.”
The hotel features 130 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that focus on both comfort and functionality. With ample natural light, plush bedding, and well-equipped workspaces supported by high-speed connectivity, the spaces are created to suit both relaxation and productivity. Guests can unwind at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or maintain their fitness routine at the 24/7 gym.
Dining at the hotel brings together a variety of experiences through its three food and beverage venues. The Kitchen Collective serves as the all-day dining restaurant, offering a mix of global favourites, wellness-inspired dishes, and authentic Andhra flavours. The Spirit Society provides a stylish lounge setting with crafted cocktails and small plates, ideal for both casual meetings and evening downtime. For a more laid-back experience, Deck9 offers poolside dining with refreshing beverages and a selection of local and international bites.
The hotel also stands out as a strong venue for events and celebrations, with over 6,220 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space. At the centre is a grand pillarless ballroom, supported by flexible venues that can host weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, and social gatherings. With modern facilities and elegant design, the property is set to become a preferred choice for large-scale events in the city.
Speaking on the opening, Samata Danday Chand, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati shared, "We are delighted to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Tirupati, a city that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. The hotel is aimed at creating an environment where great things can happen, enabling our guests to focus on their journeys, or simply relax. Connecting travelers through comfortable and innovative spaces, intuitive service and a commitment to personal fulfilment is at the foundation of what we offer at Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, while also creating a vibrant destination for memorable gatherings.”
The hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the brand’s travel programme that allows members to earn and redeem points across its wide portfolio of hotels and resorts. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, guests can also enjoy a more personalised and contactless experience during their stay.
For reservations and more information, guests can visit the official website.
The Wedding Company partnered with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026, a large-scale mass wedding initiative held in Delhi that focuses on enabling safe and dignified marriages for women from economically vulnerable backgrounds. The ceremony took place at The Zora Convention Center, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and included traditional rituals such as varmala, pheras, and vidaai.
The event saw the presence of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, and Pujya Shri Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, adding significance to the occasion. This year, 51 women were part of the ceremony, marking another step forward in supporting community weddings with care and respect.
As the execution partner, The Wedding Company managed the overall wedding planning for the event. Their role included handling photography for all couples, documentary coverage, selfie booths, and guest arrangements along with comforter distributions. The team also ensured smooth coordination across rituals, stage flow, guest seating, and timelines, creating a well-organised and stress-free experience for every bride.
Shagun Vivah Utsav is part of the Shagun Initiative by Ladli Foundation Trust, which works towards addressing financial and social challenges linked to marriage, including dowry pressures. Since it began in 2012 with 44 couples in Gurgaon, the initiative has supported over 2,067 women through safe and dignified community weddings.
Devendra Shastri, Founder, Laadli Foundation, shared, “We are grateful to The Wedding Company for supporting us in the planning and execution of this initiative and for ensuring that every wedding was conducted with dignity and care. Our work does not end with the wedding ceremony; we are also committed to supporting the brides through skill development and opportunities that help them build independent and dignified lives”
One of the key aspects of the programme is its strong focus on safety. This includes police verification of grooms to prevent fraud and ensure secure and respectful marriages for all participants.
Speaking about the initiative, Pawan Gupta, CEO of The Wedding Company, said:“Shagun Vivah Utsav represents dignity, responsibility, and community coming together for meaningful beginnings. At The Wedding Company, our goal is to bring structure and professionalism to weddings of every scale, ensuring every couple experiences a seamless, dignified, and memorable celebration. Through this partnership, we enabled families to focus on the moment while we ensured smooth execution"
The Wedding Company also highlighted that such collaborations reflect its larger vision of making professionally managed weddings more accessible and well-coordinated. With experience in planning, logistics, vendor and guest management, and on-ground execution, the company continues to support both large-scale and community-driven events.
Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026 is convened by Avdheshan G Mission, Ladli Foundation Trust, and Rashi Entertainment. The initiative brings together service, compassion, and continued support through post-marriage education and entrepreneurship opportunities, aiming to set a strong example for dignity and safety in community weddings.
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.
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