𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘧𝘴 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘚𝘐𝘊𝘈) 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘗𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢 𝘚𝘩𝘳𝘪 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘦 𝘋𝘳.𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘧 𝘒.𝘋𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯
Chennai, April 29, 2025: South India Chefs Association (SICA) hosted a grand felicitation ceremony in honour of Padma Shri Dr. Chef K. Damodaran — affectionately known as Chef Damu — following his distinguished recognition by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, for his exemplary contribution to the culinary arts and South Indian gastronomy at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites, GRT, Chennai.
The Felicitation Ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), Chef Sheetharam Prasaath, General Secretary of SICA and Vice President of IFCA, Board Members of SICA and IFCA and Distinguished Executive Chefs, General Managers, Deans, and Directors of leading hospitality institutions and also Esteemed representatives from the Government of Tamil Nadu, TTDC, ITDC, and the wider hospitality fraternity.
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Together, they paid tribute to a luminary whose life and work have become synonymous with excellence, generosity, and inspiration. Chef Damu’s family, whose steadfast support has been integral to his journey, graced the occasion, adding an emotional resonance to the morning proceedings.
Jointly hosted by SICA and IFCA, the event served not only as a formal felicitation but also as a poignant celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Finally, SICA 7th Edition of Culinary Olympiad Logo & Rule book Launched and the event tobe held in the month of September 2025.
Padma Shri Dr. Chef K. Damodaran:
A Life Devoted to Culinary Excellence
- Dr. Chef Damodaran’s illustrious journey is a testament to unwavering passion, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to the art of hospitality.
Academic and Professional Journey:
- Graduated in Commerce from Madurai Kamaraj University.
- Diploma in Hotel Management, Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai.
- MBA from Madras University.
- First Indian to earn a Ph.D. in Hotel Management.
Culinary Career:
- Over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
- Specializes in Chettinad and South Indian cuisine.
- Worked with renowned hotel brands, gaining expertise and recognition.
Educational Contributions:
- Mentored over 6,000 students at institutions including Dr. M.G.R. University, EMPEE Institutions, and ASAN Memorial College.
- Authored four textbooks for hotel management students.
Global Recognition:
- Guinness World Record (December 2010) for the longest individual cooking marathon, preparing 617 dishes.
Media and Publications:
- Prominent TV appearances on Raj TV, Pothigai, Jaya TV, and Vijay TV.
- Popular figure on the show "Cook with Comali."
- Authored 17 cookbooks with over 2,700 recipes.
Social Initiatives:
- Collaborated with Tamil Nadu Government (2008-2011) to enhance the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- Trained 1,40,000 Noon Meal Workers across 32 districts.
- Actively engaged in charitable activities through SICA to promote culinary standards and welfare.
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