MAM
Hamam ushers in Basant Panchami by providing waterproof sarees at Kumbh
MUMBAI: To extend its #GoSafeOutside campaign that aims to empower women with skills and means to counter their vulnerability, Hamam initiated a unique campaign by designing special waterproof sarees for Kumbh 2019.
The brand shared in a press statement, “Hamam believes in helping women #GoSafeOutside by empowering them with skills and means to counter their vulnerability. Extending its initiative to the Kumbh 2019, the brand started its journey by sponsoring women-only changing rooms at the ghats. But soon realized that this is not enough, as the walk to the changing room after the dip in the river is when polyester or cotton saris are wet and clinging, leaving women most vulnerable to unsolicited attention and even pictures.”
The release further stated, “Working with brand partner, Ogilvy India, Hamam has created a simple yet effective solution – Waterproof Sarees for women which form a large part of the Kumbh gathering! The same sari that the women are used to, but with a simple layer of waterproofing treatment that makes the fabric aquaphobic. This makes it an ideal clothing option for women devotees taking a holy dip at the Holy Sangam.”
Sharing insights into Hamam’s objective behind the waterproof sarees initiative, Unilever general manager, skin cleansing India Harman Dhillon said, “Hamam feels a sense of responsibility towards making a positive difference not just to people’s skin, but also to their daily lives. Through our #GoSafeOutside positioning, we want to help improve the sense of safety people feel when they are outside: by raising awareness, kick-starting conversations and facilitating solutions. The waterproof sarees at Kumbh are not just a solution to help preserve the modesty of female pilgrims, they are also a shout out to society to be more respectful and discrete about their view of women. If men have the right to take the holy dip without the worry of unsolicited attention, society needs to adjust its mindset to allow women to do the same without being self-conscious.”
Chief creative officer and the man behind the waterproof sarees Sukesh Nayak noted, “Under our #GoSafeOutside platform, we initiated ‘The Waterproof Sarees’ at Khumbh. An innovative way of helping women preserve their modesty while taking the holy dip. Helping them take a bath in the river in the open without worrying about the prying eyes.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
