Pre-Budget 2026: Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr Calls for Stronger Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Pre-Budget 2026: Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr Calls for Stronger Support for Women Entrepreneurs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 20, 2026

As discussions around the Union Budget 2026 gather momentum, voices from the food and beverage industry are highlighting the need for inclusive and growth-oriented policies. Sharing her perspective, Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr, Chef & Founder of Anahata Cafe (Formerly Roots Cafe), outlines key expectations from the Budget, particularly for women entrepreneurs operating within the F&B and FMCG sectors.

She emphasises that women-led enterprises play a vital role beyond income generation, contributing to employment creation and broader economic and social change. However, she also points out that women founders continue to face challenges related to access to finance, mentorship, and scalable growth opportunities.

Speaking on her expectations, Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr said:

"The Union Budget can be a turning point in a definitive manner for women entrepreneurship in India. When women build businesses, their accomplishments extend far beyond just the generation of income, as their endeavors result in employment and economic change at a broader social and cultural front in India. Yet, despite their growing participation, women founders continue to face systemic challenges, particularly in accessing timely finance, structured mentorship, and scalable growth opportunities.

I would like to see the Budget introduce stronger and more accessible support mechanisms for women-led enterprises, especially through collateral-free credit, interest subvention, and simplified compliance and formalisation processes. Many women-led ventures, particularly in food, hospitality, and community-driven businesses, are operating at the grassroots level and require flexible funding models that recognise their realities rather than traditional balance sheets.

Equally critical is investing in the broader ecosystem, skill development, digital enablement, food safety and sustainability training, and easier access to organised markets. With the right tools and guidance, women can scale responsibly from micro-enterprises to resilient and growth-oriented businesses.

The women entrepreneurs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities are full of ambition and creativity. This potential can be unleashed with proper intervention in policy and help them become a part of the development story of the economy of India in a more integrated manner. Empowerment of women entrepreneurs is not just about 'inclusion; it is about constructing a better economy for the future."

Through her views, Ms. Kumarr underscores the importance of policy-led support that recognises the realities of grassroots entrepreneurship. Her expectations reflect a broader industry sentiment that empowering women-led businesses can play a meaningful role in shaping a resilient and inclusive economic future for India.


Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

Eros Hotel New Delhi Strengthens Water Conservation Efforts During World Water Week

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Eros Hotel New Delhi is reinforcing its commitment to responsible water management during World Water Week 2026 by highlighting a range of initiatives focused on reducing water consumption, promoting mindful usage and recycling wastewater across its operations.

Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), World Water Week brings global attention to water-related challenges and the importance of responsible water management. The 2026 edition is being held from 23 to 27 August.

At Eros Hotel New Delhi, water conservation has been integrated across guest areas, kitchens, back-of-house operations and public facilities through a combination of water-efficient infrastructure and awareness initiatives.

The hotel has installed water-saving aerators across taps in guest room washrooms, kitchens and back-of-house areas to regulate water flow and improve consumption efficiency. Public washrooms feature sensor-operated taps, helping reduce unnecessary water usage, while guest rooms are equipped with dual-flush WC cisterns that allow guests to use water according to requirements.

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The hotel's sustainability approach also focuses on creating greater awareness among guests and employees. Water conservation tent cards placed in guest rooms encourage visitors to adopt mindful water-use practices during their stay. Awareness posters across kitchens and back-of-house areas further reinforce responsible water consumption among employees and operational teams.

A key element of Eros Hotel New Delhi's water management strategy is the 100% recycling of wastewater. Treated recycled water is utilised for horticulture and cooling towers, reducing the hotel's dependence on fresh water for selected operational requirements while ensuring wastewater is put to productive use.

By combining water-efficient fixtures, wastewater recycling and awareness programmes, Eros Hotel New Delhi continues to integrate resource-conscious practices into its daily operations.

The initiatives reflect the hotel's broader approach to making water conservation a shared responsibility among guests, employees and operational teams while strengthening its ongoing sustainability efforts.

About Eros Hotel New Delhi:

Eros Hotel New Delhi is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering accommodation, dining and hospitality facilities for leisure and business travellers.


Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj Hosts Victoria’s Secret ‘Rome After Dark’ Launch with Triptii Dimri

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, hosted an exclusive ‘Rome After Dark’ experience by Victoria’s Secret, marking the launch of the brand’s latest Very Sexy Collection and bringing together fashion, luxury and experiential retail.

Inspired by the romance and mystique of Rome, the launch transformed the Victoria’s Secret store into an immersive setting reflecting the collection’s distinctive aesthetic and after-dark appeal.

Actor Triptii Dimri joined the event as the special guest, adding a celebrity and fashion dimension to the evening. Her presence further enhanced the launch, which brought together the brand’s signature fashion identity with an experience-led retail format.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said that luxury retail destinations are increasingly defined by the experiences they create alongside the brands they house. He highlighted the mall’s focus on bringing leading international and premium brands together with experiences designed for an evolving, fashion-conscious consumer.

Shahista Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, added that contemporary luxury is increasingly about being distinctive, relevant and ahead of the curve. She noted that the ‘Rome After Dark’ experience combined fashion, trends and a strong sense of occasion, reflecting the evolving retail environment at Ambience Mall.

The Very Sexy Collection takes inspiration from Rome’s timeless romance and after-dark allure. Through the ‘Rome After Dark’ narrative, Victoria’s Secret has created a retail experience centred around discovery and engagement while retaining the brand’s distinctive visual and fashion language.

The launch also underlines Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s continued focus on premium and luxury retail. The destination brings together international and Indian brands spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle and dining, positioning itself as a destination that combines shopping with fashion, culture and entertainment.

Over the years, Ambience Mall has also hosted prominent celebrities for brand launches and engagements, further strengthening its role within Delhi’s premium retail and lifestyle landscape.

With Victoria’s Secret’s latest collection at the centre of the evening and Triptii Dimri adding a celebrity presence, the ‘Rome After Dark’ launch showcased how luxury retail is increasingly moving beyond conventional shopping to create immersive and experience-led brand interactions.


TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

TSG Aura Resort Hosts Special Lunch for Students in Shaheed Dweep

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

TSG Aura Resort hosted a special lunch for students of Government Middle School, Sitapur, Shaheed Dweep, South Andaman, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The initiative was planned to give the young students a warm and memorable experience. The resort team spent time with the children, interacted with them and shared moments of happiness during the gathering.

More than just providing a meal, the occasion gave the team an opportunity to connect with the students and make them feel valued and appreciated. Through initiatives such as this, TSG Hotels & Resorts continues to engage with the local community and support efforts that contribute to the well-being of people in the destinations where it operates.

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