India's highest award for Salil Panigrahi

Founder of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts honored

02/08/2021 Author: CC editorial office Photos: CC editorial office Reading time: 2 Minutes

Since the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award was established by the Indian government in 2003, it has been presented annually by the President himself and is considered the highest state award for overseas Indians. The award is subject to strict criteria and the winner is chosen by a high-caliber jury, which also includes the Indian Vice President and the Minister of External Affairs. In the case of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts founder Salil Panigrahi, the decision was unanimous.

Recognition for outstanding achievements

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is given to people of Indian descent living outside India (NRIs, Non-resident Indians) and to Indian persons of other nationalities (PIOs, Persons of Indian Origin) who have made outstanding contributions. The criteria for the award include contributions to a better understanding of India abroad, forging close ties between India, the overseas Indian community and their country of residence, humanitarian and social contributions and philanthropic and charitable work as well as special achievements in their own field of activity. Panigrahi was recognized for his achievements in the tourism sector at the ceremony, which was held virtually for once.

He began his career in 2003 when he founded the EoN Group with Maldivian business partners. The consulting firm offers expertise in the development and operation of luxury resorts. Panigrahi has led the development and launch of over a dozen internationally recognized resorts in the Maldives. In 2012, he and his partners launched Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. At the heart of the concept was his philosophy of the joy of giving - the customer is always the focus. In just seven years, the group has opened six resorts in the Maldives, most recently Ozen Reserve Bolifushi in the South Malé Atoll.

The Indian is also behind the company's many successful brands, such as The White Label Set by Atmosphere and Selection of OBLU with OBLU Select, OBLU and OBLU XPerience. The entrepreneur is far from tired, however, as two more resorts are set to open in the Malé Atoll in 2021. Two more are currently under development in Sri Lanka.

Merits for the country and its people

Salil Panigrahi quickly found his niche in the highly competitive world of luxury resorts. An eye for detail, potential and value creation, sharp business acumen, strategic thinking, strong partnerships and the establishment of innovative structures for both equity and debt capital are what set him apart in entrepreneurial terms. But Salil Panigrahi also brings a lot to the table on a personal level. He not only knows how to meet the expectations of guests, but also cares about the needs and aspirations of his employees, shareholders, colleagues and partners.