HPMF Unveils Chairman’s Legacy Series to Honour Mohan Deshpande’s 75th Birthday

Ten News Network

National News (28/07/2026): Marking a milestone in India’s hospitality industry, the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) has announced the launch of the HPMF Chairman’s Legacy Series, a long-term institutional initiative dedicated to celebrating the remarkable legacy of its Chairman, Mohan Deshpande, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

The initiative has been conceived as a tribute to Deshpande’s decades-long contribution to the hospitality sector and his pivotal role in shaping HPMF into one of India’s most respected professional forums. The Legacy Series aims to preserve the values he has championed throughout his career—including ethical leadership, mentorship, integrity, professional excellence, and selfless service—while inspiring future generations of hospitality professionals.

According to HPMF, Deshpande has played an instrumental role in the organization’s growth by providing consistent leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering support. His commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening professional standards has influenced hospitality leaders and procurement professionals across the country.

The newly launched Chairman’s Legacy Series will serve as a permanent platform to promote leadership development, education, sustainability, and professional recognition within the hospitality fraternity. Through this initiative, HPMF intends to create opportunities that encourage knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and excellence across all levels of the industry.

As part of the programme, HPMF will gradually roll out several flagship initiatives. These include the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Leadership & Excellence Award, an annual national honour recognising exceptional leadership, ethical practices, and excellence in hospitality procurement and supply chain management.

The Forum will also introduce the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Mentorship Programme, designed to connect experienced industry veterans with emerging professionals, enabling the transfer of knowledge and leadership skills to the next generation.

To support aspiring hospitality professionals, HPMF will establish the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Scholarship for Hospitality Students, providing financial assistance and encouragement to deserving students pursuing hospitality management education.

Another key component of the initiative will be the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Annual Leadership Lecture, featuring distinguished national and international hospitality leaders who will share insights on leadership, innovation, and industry best practices.

Reflecting HPMF’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the organisation will also launch the “75 Trees for 75 Years” Sustainability Initiative, a nationwide plantation campaign symbolising growth, responsibility, and sustainable development.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, described the launch as a defining moment in the organisation’s history. He said the initiative is not simply a celebration of Chairman Deshpande’s 75th birthday but the creation of a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire hospitality professionals for generations.

Dr. Nagrale noted that Deshpande’s leadership has always been guided by integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving the hospitality fraternity. He said the Chairman’s Legacy Series seeks to preserve these principles and translate them into meaningful programmes that will continue benefiting the industry in the years ahead.

Sharing a personal reflection, Dr. Nagrale added that Deshpande has been much more than a Chairman to him, describing him as a mentor, guide, and constant source of inspiration. He said it was both a privilege and an honour to launch the initiative in recognition of Deshpande’s extraordinary contribution to HPMF and the wider hospitality community.

HPMF also announced that the Chairman’s Legacy Series will become one of the organisation’s flagship institutional programmes. The roadmap for the initiative, along with future activities and implementation plans, will be formally unveiled during the HPMF Convention & Awards 2027, scheduled to take place from January 28 to 31, 2027, at The Leela Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Reaffirming its vision of connecting, collaborating, and growing together, HPMF said the Chairman’s Legacy Series represents more than a commemorative programme. It reflects the belief that true leadership is defined not only by personal achievements but by the lives transformed, values upheld, and opportunities created for future generations.

On behalf of its members and the wider hospitality fraternity, HPMF extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Mohan Deshpande, wishing him continued good health, happiness, and many more years of inspiring leadership.