MAM
HDFC Life promotes ULIP through anti-bullying campaign
MUMBAI: HDFC Life Insurance Company has launched a new ad campaign on Unit Linked Insurance policies for planning children’s future. The ad highlights the issue of bullying and conveys a message that parents need to empower their children to fight their own battles, making them self-reliant.
The campaign emerged from a consumer insight that parents are inherently wired to be protective towards their children, but at the same time, they also want their children to be equipped with life-skills to navigate through the unexpected twists and turns that life throws their way. It shows parents’ efforts in preparing their loved ones for the future. The TVC will run for one and half months.
The film narrates the story of a young boy who is bullied for his weight. The twist comes when the father, although concerned for his child’s well-being, sends him back to confront his tormentors. HDFC Life has tried to highlight the valuable life lessons that parents try to inculcate in their children; making them face their fears against their natural instincts of protecting their children. The film brings out the brand thought of ‘Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao’, an interpretation of ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’, showing the breadwinner of the family as more than just a conventional financial provider.
The ad articulates the essence of the brand – helping your loved ones live with pride while making sure they have a secure future. And ULIPs offer dual benefits of growth and security which enables one to fulfil long-term financial goals and also ensures financial security. Thus, the campaign brings to light the necessity of not only providing financial strength in achieving future dreams but also the strength of character that helps one endure times of difficulty.
HDFC Life executive vice president of strategic alliances, bancassurance and marketing Pankaj Gupta says, “As parents, financial security is not the only gift we want to leave behind for our children. We also want them to be emotionally independent. Our motto of ‘Sar utha ke jiyo’ is all about holding one’s head high no matter what the situation is.
“Through this campaign, we aim to convey this in the context of a prevalent concern among children – bullying. Instead of showing the child as the victim and having viewers sympathising with him, we wanted to show how the right kind of encouragement from parents empowers and prepares him to face the future. Planning for the child’s future and securing it, is the priority for every parent. In fact, our research shows this as one of the key reasons for buying life insurance, especially the savings and investment plans. Our ULIP offerings enable parents to plan their child’s future over the long-term,” he adds.
Leo Burnett South Asia chief creative officer Rajdeepak Das mentions, “To truly imbibe ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’ in today’s world, we needed to understand what’s happening with the kids today. Of the many problems that they face today, bullying is something that kids are unable to tackle head on. We wanted to use this as a metaphor to highlight the importance of teaching children to be emotionally independent. I am proud of how our philosophy flows through this entire campaign, and I am confident consumers will relate to it and do what is best for the emotional health of their children.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: 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.
