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United News of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- United News of India
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
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cooku with Comali fame chef Damodharan honored with Padmashri award
Chef and television personality Damodharan, fondly known as Chef Damu, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri , one of India's highest civilian honours, for his exceptional contributions to the culinary arts . A celebrated figure in Indian households, Chef Damu rose to widespread fame as a judge on the popular television show Cooku with Comali . His career, which spans several decades, is a testament to his passion for South Indian cuisine and his dedication to preserving traditional cooking techniques. Notably, Chef Damu was the first Indian chef to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for preparing the largest number of dishes in a single day — a milestone that showcases his culinary prowess and innovation. Beyond his achievements in the kitchen, Chef Damu's charismatic presence and deep culinary knowledge have been key elements of Cooku with Comali's success. His mentorship and encouragement to budding chefs on the show have endeared him to millions of viewers across the country. This Padma Shri honour not only highlights his individual excellence but also recognises his larger contribution in inspiring a new generation of chefs and elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. Fans across the country have flooded social media with celebratory messages, hailing this award as a 'long-overdue recognition for a true culinary legend.' With this latest honour, Chef Damodharan continues to embody the spirit of culinary innovation and cultural pride, further cementing his legacy as an icon in India's gastronomic journey.
