SICA, FICA honours Padma Shri Chef Damu
Chennai, Apr 29 (UNI) The South India Chefs Association (SICA) and the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) on Tuesday felicitated renowned chef Dr. K. Damodaran, affectionately known as Chef Damu, on being conferred with the coveted Padma Shri award by the Union
Government.
He was presented the one of the nation's highest civilian honours in recognition of his exemplary contribution to the culinary arts and South Indian gastronomy.
Speakers at the event, said his life was Devoted to Culinary Excellence.
Dr. Chef Dam's illustrious journey is a testament to unwavering passion, perseverance and an enduring commitment to the art of hospitality.
Recalling his journey, they said he was a Commerce graduate from Madurai Kamaraj University and the completed Diploma in Hotel Management, finished MBA from Madras University.
He later became the first Indian to earn a Ph.D. in Hotel Management.
In a culinary career spanning over five decades in the hospitality industry, he specializes in Chettinad and South Indian cuisine and has also worked with renowned hotel brands, gaining expertise and recognition and has mentored over 6,000 students, besides authoring four textbooks for hotel management students.
He had etched his name in the Guinness Book of World Records in December 2010 for the longest individual cooking marathon, preparing 617 dishes.
He had collaborated with Tamil Nadu Government (2008-2011) to enhance the Mid-Day Noon Meal Scheme, trained 1,40,000 Noon Meal Workers across 32 districts and was actively engaged in charitable activities through SICA to promote culinary standards and welfare.
The event was attended by eminent personalities, including Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President, IFCA, Chef Sheetharam Prasaath, General Secretary of SICA and Vice President of IFCA; Board Members of SICA and IFCA; distinguished Executive Chefs, General Managers, Deans, and Directors of leading hospitality institutions; representatives from the Tamil Nadu Government, Tamil Nadu
Tourism Development Corporation, ITDC, and those from the hospitality fraternity.
Jointly hosted by SICA and IFCA, the event served not only as a formal felicitation but also a
celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
On the occasion, SICA's 7th Edition of Culinary Olympiad Logo and Rule book was launched
and the event will be held in September 2025.
UNI GV 1725
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