Late industrialist T. T. Jagannathan, credited with developing the Gasket Release System that significantly improved pressure cooker safety, will be among the Padma Award recipients honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.
The President will confer a total of 65 Padma Awards, including two Padma Vibhushan awards, seven Padma Bhushan awards and 56 Padma Shri awards.
Safety innovation transformed pressure cooker industry
Jagannathan is widely recognised for inventing the Gasket Release System, a safety mechanism designed to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities caused by pressure cookers.
Instead of seeking a patent and exclusive financial gains from the innovation, he made the technology available to the entire industry free of cost, allowing manufacturers to adopt the system and improve safety standards for millions of households, particularly among poor and middle-class families.
Turned struggling company into billion-dollar business
After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and pursuing higher studies at Cornell University, Jagannathan took charge of the financially troubled TT Limited in 1975.
Over the next five decades, he transformed the company into a billion-dollar enterprise and established TTK as one of India's leading kitchenware manufacturers. His leadership helped take the Prestige brand into international markets, including Britain and the United States, while generating employment for thousands of people.
Known as India's 'Kitchen Mogul'
Jagannathan earned a reputation as India's "Kitchen Mogul" for his role in making TTK products a household name across the country.
His business achievements were complemented by philanthropic efforts, with the group's companies supporting initiatives in healthcare and education.
He was named best entrepreneur by Business Standard and Ernst & Young and was inducted into the CNBC TV18 Hall of Fame in 2025.
Award to be conferred after his death
Jagannathan passed away on October 9, 2025. The Padma Award will be conferred posthumously in recognition of his contributions to Indian industry, innovation and public safety.
