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.


Nagore Gears Up for the 469th Grand Kandhuri Celebrations

Nagore Gears Up for the 469th Grand Kandhuri Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 28, 2025

Nagore is all set for the 469th annual Kandhuri festival honouring Nagore Andavar Syed Shahul Hameed. The celebrations began with the flag hoisting event on 21st November, marking the start of the festivities. The main event, Periya Kandhuri, will be held on 1st December. One of the highlights, the santhanakoodu procession, will take place on the evening of 30th November and will begin from Nagapattinam. The Anointment of Sandal Paste (Chandanam) on the Sacred Tomb will be held in the early morning of 1st December.

To support the festival, the Tamil Nadu state government has taken efficient steps to ensure smooth travel for devotees. Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) is operating 100 buses from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Nagore. Southern Railway has also announced special trains from Chennai, and an unreserved MEMU train will operate from Villupuram. Reservations for these trains are currently underway.

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The managing trustee of the Nagore Dargah Shariff attended the flag hoisting event, where flags were raised on all five minars. The sight of the fluttering flags has added more colour to the festive atmosphere across the town.

The state government is expecting around 15 Lakh people to gather for this harmonious festival, which brings together people from all religions. Devotees from Tamil Nadu and from states including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to visit Nagore for the celebrations. The festive spirit is already visible across the town as the Dargah and its minars shine with decorative lights.

To elevate the celebrations, the Nagapattinam District Administration has declared a local holiday on December 1. The festival will conclude with the flag-lowering ceremony on 4th December 2025.  

Image Credits: Image credits belong to the original owner.


IHCL Expands Presence in Jammu & Kashmir with a New Gateway Resort in Patnitop

IHCL Expands Presence in Jammu & Kashmir with a New Gateway Resort in Patnitop

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 27, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new hotel under its Gateway brand in Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir. This is a conversion project with future plans for expansion.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Patnitop is a hidden gem in Jammu & Kashmir, offering travellers a quick winter escape. With the largest room inventory in the destination, this Gateway resort will cater to the growing demand from Punjab, Delhi NCR and Jammu. Serving as a gateway to the Himalayas, this signing aligns with our strategy to expand the brand in such leisure markets. We are delighted to partner with FIL Industries Private Limited for this project.”

Located amidst serene natural landscapes, the 78-key Gateway Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir will offer guests an immersive experience of the region’s beauty. The resort will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, including a heated pool, along with a modern fitness centre and treatment rooms. For social and corporate events, the resort also provides a spacious banquet hall covering over 4,000 sq. ft.

Mr. Owais Altaf Syed, Director, FIL Industries Private Limited, added, “We are happy to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Patnitop. This partnership with IHCL marks a significant milestone in enhancing the region’s hospitality landscape.”

Patnitop is a peaceful hill station surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks. Travellers can enjoy adventure activities such as paragliding, trekking and skiing or explore attractions like Natha Top and Billo Ki Powri. With this signing, IHCL now has 12 hotels in Jammu & Kashmir, including 6 under development.

About the Owning Company

FIL Industries Private Limited is a diversified enterprise operating across agriculture, food and beverage, travel, hospitality and health sectors. Its portfolio includes agri-input solutions, natural fruit concentrates, functional drinks, beverages, packaged drinking water, post-harvest advisory services, storage solutions and sustainable mobility through aerial ropeways and tourism infrastructure.
In his role as Director, Mr. Owais Altaf Syed oversees ropeway management and hospitality. The company has been awarded major ropeway projects including the Dehradun–Mussoorie Ropeway and the Yamunotri Ropeway Project.


Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 26, 2025

In the world of luxury hospitality, it's often the finest details that create unforgettable guest experiences. Frill Hospitality has firmly established itself as a trusted leader in the industry, delivering premium hotel toiletries and amenities that blend exquisite fragrances, thoughtful designs, and superior quality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Gurugram, India, Frill produces everything under strict GMP standards, ensuring paraben-free, 100% vegan, and phthalate-free formulations crafted with the finest ingredients.

Recently honored as the Most Trusted Brand in Hotel Toiletries at the India Hotel & Homestay Summit & Awards 2025, Frill continues to set the benchmark for excellence in guest-centric innovation.

Signature Collections: Where IFRA-certified Fragrance Meets Luxury

Frill Hospitality offers a stunning range of premium toiletries across three captivating brand lines, each designed to transform ordinary bathroom routines into spa-like rituals:

  • Forestra – We built it for hotels that want to deliver a truly premium, nature-inspired experience. With its elegant fragrance blend of, Bergamot, Geranium & Blond Woods, Forestra brings a boutique luxury feel to every room. The texture is rich, the packaging is sophisticated, and the performance is exceptional, making it the preferred choice for upscale resorts and modern boutique properties. 

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  • Sea BreezeSea Breeze is designed for hotels that want premium quality at smart pricing. With its clean, refreshing fragrance of Sea Salt & Lavender and high-performance formulation, Sea Breeze delivers a consistent guest experience every time. The packaging is modern, the texture feels luxurious, and the cost makes it a clear winner for high-rotation rooms. Perfect for 3- to 5-star properties looking for reliability without compromising quality. 

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  • Isvara Naturals – Our modern Ayurvedic formulations, premium textures, and the signature Soul & Vanilla fragrance create an unforgettable guest experience. Designed for luxury and boutique properties, Isvara offers high-quality, conscious amenities that elevate your brand image instantly.Every product boasts amazing, long-lasting fragrances and sophisticated packaging that seamlessly complements upscale hotel branding.

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Innovative & Sustainable Packaging for Dry Amenities

Frill offers exceptional versatility in presentation, especially for dry amenities. Options include eco-friendly kraft boxes and pouches, butter paper pouches, laminated boxes, flow-wrap sachets, and more. These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also allow hotels to customize packaging that reflects their unique identity while maintaining premium aesthetics.

The White Thread - Premium Hotel Slippers: Comfort Meets Style

Beyond toiletries, Frill manufactures high-quality hotel slippers with Frill detailing in a variety of premium materials:

  • Soft fleece for cozy warmth
  • Plush fur for indulgent comfort
  • Natural jute for an eco-friendly, textured option

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These slippers provide the perfect finishing touch to any in-room experience.

Elevate Your Guest Experience with Frill

Whether you're a boutique hotel, luxury resort, or chain property, Frill Hospitality delivers complete in-room solutions that impress guests and strengthen brand loyalty. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customization has made them a preferred partner for hospitality businesses across India and beyond.

Ready to experience the difference?

Please visit the official website: www.frillhospitality.com.  For more information, samples, or to place orders, write to info@frillhospitality.com

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