The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) has launched the Chairman’s Legacy Series, a long-term institutional initiative dedicated to its Chairman, Mohan Deshpande, on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The programme aims to promote leadership development, professional recognition, education, mentorship and sustainability within the hospitality sector.
The initiative has been introduced in recognition of Deshpande’s contribution to the hospitality industry and his role in shapingHPMF into one of India’s leading professional hospitality forums. Over the years, he has played a key role in guiding the organisation’s growth while mentoring hospitality procurement and supply-chain professionals across the country.
As part of the Legacy Series, HPMF will roll out a set of flagship programmes designed to support future generations of hospitality professionals. These include the annual Chairman Mohan Deshpande Leadership & Excellence Award, a structured Mentorship Programme, a Scholarship for Hospitality Students, an Annual Leadership Lecture, and the 75 Trees for 75 Years Sustainability Initiative.
Announcing the initiative, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary, 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.”
He added, “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.”
According to HPMF, the Leadership & Excellence Award will recognise outstanding achievements and ethical leadership in hospitality procurement and supply-chain management, while the mentorship programme will connect experienced industry leaders with emerging professionals to strengthen talent development across the sector.
The scholarship initiative will focus on supporting deserving hospitality management students, while the annual leadership lecture will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing by distinguished hospitality leaders from India and abroad. The sustainability programme, involving the planting of 75 trees, will symbolise HPMF’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term industry stewardship.
Reflecting on Deshpande’s contribution, Dr. Nagrale said, “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.”
HPMF said the Chairman’s Legacy Series will become one of its flagship institutional programmes, with the inaugural roadmap and future activities scheduled to be showcased during the HPMF Convention & Awards 2027, to be held from January 28-31, 2027, at The Leela Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The initiative is expected to strengthen leadership development, industry collaboration and professional excellence while creating a lasting platform to carry forward Deshpande’s values and vision within the hospitality fraternity.
