• A Landmark Initiative to Inspire Future Generations of Hospitality Professionals

Mumbai, India | 28 July 2026

The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) proudly celebrates the 75th Birthday of its esteemed Chairman, Mr. Mohan Deshpande, by announcing the launch of the HPMF Chairman’s Legacy Series—a permanent institutional initiative established to honour his outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry and his enduring legacy of leadership, integrity, mentorship and service.

Mr. Deshpande has been an integral part of HPMF’s journey, providing visionary leadership, unwavering guidance and steadfast support in shaping the Forum into one of India’s most respected professional hospitality organisations. His wisdom, humility and commitment to developing people have positively influenced countless hospitality professionals across the country.
Recognising this remarkable contribution, HPMF has instituted the Chairman’s Legacy Series to ensure that the principles Mr. Deshpande has championed continue to inspire present and future generations.

The Chairman’s Legacy Series
The initiative will serve as a long-term platform for leadership development, professional recognition, education and sustainability within the hospitality fraternity.

The Legacy Series will progressively introduce the following flagship programmes:

Chairman Mr. Deshpande Leadership & Excellence Award –
An annual national honour recognising outstanding leadership, ethical conduct and excellence in hospitality procurement and supply chain management.

Chairman Mr. Deshpande Mentorship Programme – 
A structured initiative connecting experienced hospitality leaders with emerging professionals to nurture future industry leadership.

Chairman Mr. Deshpande Scholarship for Hospitality Students –
Scholarships designed to encourage deserving hospitality management students and support the next generation of professionals.

Chairman Mr. Deshpande Annual Leadership Lecture – 
An annual keynote delivered by a distinguished national or international hospitality leader, fostering knowledge sharing and leadership excellence.

75 Trees for 75 Years Sustainability Initiative – 
A nationwide environmental programme symbolising growth, responsibility and HPMF’s commitment to sustainability.

A Legacy Beyond Celebration

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF, said:
“Today marks a truly historic moment in the journey of HPMF. We are not merely celebrating the 75th Birthday of our respected Chairman; we are establishing a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of hospitality professionals. Mr. Deshpande has always led with integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to serving our fraternity. Through the Chairman’s Legacy Series, we aim to preserve those values and transform them into meaningful initiatives that will benefit our industry for decades to come.”

He further added:
“For me personally, Mr. Deshpande has been far more than a Chairman. He has been a mentor, a guiding force and a source of immense inspiration. It is both a privilege and an honour to launch this initiative in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to HPMF and to the hospitality community.”

Looking Ahead

The HPMF Chairman’s Legacy Series will become one of the Forum’s flagship institutional initiatives, with the inaugural roadmap and future programmes to be formally showcased during the HPMF Convention & Awards 2027, scheduled to be held from 28–31 January 2027 at The Leela Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

As HPMF continues its mission of connecting, collaborating and growing together, the Chairman’s Legacy Series will serve as a lasting reminder that true leadership is measured not merely by achievements, but by the lives inspired and the values passed on to future generations.

On behalf of the entire HPMF family, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Mr. Deshpande on this momentous occasion and wish him continued good health, happiness and many more years of inspiration.