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.


Bhumika Realty Onboards Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as Brand Ambassadors

Bhumika Realty Onboards Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as Brand Ambassadors

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Strengthening its brand presence and market positioning, Bhumika Realty has announced the onboarding of Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as its official brand ambassadors.

The association comes as part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance brand credibility while expanding its footprint across North India’s key real estate markets. It reflects Bhumika Realty’s continued focus on delivering projects rooted in design precision, quality craftsmanship, and global standards, while engaging with a wider and more diverse audience.

Rohit Sharma, widely recognised for his consistency, leadership, and performance on the field, brings a strong alignment with the company’s brand values. Complementing this, Ritika Sajdeh adds a nuanced perspective through her experience in brand building and consumer engagement, strengthening the partnership’s overall positioning.

Commenting on the association, Uddhav Poddar said, “We are delighted to welcome Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh to the Bhumika Realty family. This association reflects the direction in which we are taking the brand as we scale our operations across key markets. The alignment of discipline, consistency, and long-term focus resonates strongly with our brand philosophy.”

Sharing their thoughts on the collaboration, Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh said, “For us, it’s always about consistency, discipline, and contributing to a larger vision. We are pleased to associate with Bhumika Realty; the company’s strong leadership vision and focus on execution make this collaboration both meaningful and well-aligned.”

The announcement comes at a time when Bhumika Realty is actively advancing its growth trajectory, particularly across the NCR region. The company is strengthening its presence through strategic land acquisitions and a focused long-term vision to expand across Delhi-NCR with thoughtfully planned developments.

Among its key assets, Bhumika Realty has delivered and operates Urban Square Mall in Udaipur, one of the city’s largest retail destinations anchored by a premium hotel chain. Its development pipeline includes a mixed land-use project in Faridabad, a commercial project in Gurugram, and upcoming integrated township plans across Sonipat, Meerut, and Vrindavan.

Beyond real estate, the company is also expanding into transit-oriented infrastructure, including opportunities at metro stations, as well as hospitality assets such as hotels in strategic locations. This diversified approach highlights Bhumika Realty’s intent to build long-term value while strengthening its position across multiple segments.

With this collaboration, the brand aims to further connect with consumers while reinforcing its identity as a developer focused on consistency, scale, and execution.


Tides of Time Brings Parliament Murals to Life Through Sudha Murty’s Lens

Tides of Time Brings Parliament Murals to Life Through Sudha Murty’s Lens

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

A unique perspective on Bharat’s cultural and historical journey comes alive with the release of Tides of Time: Bharat's History Through Murals in Parliament, authored by Sudha Murty. The book was unveiled in New Delhi by the Hon. Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Om Birla, Harivansh, and other Members of Parliament.

At the launch, Sudha Murty expressed her vision for the book, saying, “It is my hope that through this book, future generations will also get to enjoy the richness of this culture that I have known.” In her dedication, she honours the people of Bharat across centuries, as well as the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Tides of Time draws from one of humanity’s oldest storytelling traditions, murals. From the prehistoric cave paintings of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters to the intricate artworks of Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, India’s visual narratives have long preserved its civilisational memory.

This artistic continuum finds a modern expression in the murals of Sansad Bhavan, where 58 panels line the circular corridors of the Parliament building. Commissioned in 1954 by G. V. Mavalankar, these murals depict a sweeping timeline of Bharat’s history, from the Indus Valley Civilisation at Mohenjo-daro to the moment of Independence marked by the flag hoisting at the Red Fort in 1947.

The architectural inspiration of the Parliament building itself echoes the Chausath Yogini Temple, a thousand-year-old circular structure, reinforcing the sense of continuity between past and present.

The idea for the book emerged during a visit to the Samvidhan Sadan, where Sudha Murty noticed students briefly observing the murals without fully understanding their depth. Recognising the need for accessible storytelling, she set out to document the historical context behind each panel, transforming the experience into a narrative journey.

More than a historical account, the book stands as a tribute to the artists and curators who brought these stories to life. It reflects the enduring values of Bharatiya Sanskriti, shaped by tolerance, patience, and compassion, while inviting readers to engage more deeply with the nation’s heritage.


Fixderma Calls Out “2-Minute Skincare” Claims with a Bold April Fool’s Message

Fixderma Calls Out “2-Minute Skincare” Claims with a Bold April Fool’s Message

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 4, 2026

In a world where skincare trends promise “overnight glass skin” and “Korean skin in 7 days,” Fixderma is taking a refreshingly honest stand this April Fool’s Day. With a witty yet thought-provoking campaign, the brand questions the growing obsession with instant results and quick fixes.

Drawing a clever comparison with 2-minute noodles, Fixderma highlights how unrealistic these viral claims have become. The campaign playfully asks a simple question: since when did skincare start working at Wi-Fi speed? The message is clear, good skin cannot be rushed.

Shaily Mehrotra, Founder & CEO of Fixderma, addresses this trend directly. “Skincare today is being sold like instant gratification. But your skin is not a 2-minute recipe. Claims like overnight ‘Korean skin’ are not just misleading, they set unrealistic expectations and often lead to product hopping and skin damage.”

Through this campaign, the brand focuses on educating consumers while cutting through the noise of exaggerated marketing. It reinforces a simple truth that often gets overlooked, skin needs time, care, and consistency. Healing does not happen overnight, and active ingredients take weeks to show visible results.

Fixderma’s message is rooted in dermatological science and years of formulation expertise. Whether it’s managing acne, improving skin texture, or achieving long-term radiance, the brand emphasizes that meaningful results come from patience and the right skincare routine, not viral shortcuts.

At a time when social media trends dominate buying decisions, this April Fool’s initiative stands out for its honesty. It encourages consumers to think twice before believing claims that sound too good to be true.

With this campaign, Fixderma continues its larger mission of building an informed skincare community, one that values science over speed, and real results over fleeting trends.

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