Brands
Hero MotoCorp turns Himalayan prayer flags into first-aid for bikers
MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has launched Prayers for Safety, a culturally rooted safety initiative that reimagines Tibetan prayer flags as portable first-aid kits for motorcyclists riding through the Himalayas. Conceptualised by Saatchi & Saatchi India, the campaign addresses a critical gap in rider preparedness across remote, high-risk routes such as Manali and Leh-Ladakh.
Motorcycling in the region has surged in popularity, but unpredictable weather, treacherous terrain and limited access to medical help continue to pose serious risks, particularly for riders using rented motorcycles with minimal safety equipment. Hero’s intervention embeds first-aid essentials into a familiar ritual, transforming an age-old symbol of protection into a practical tool for emergency care.
Traditionally tied to handlebars for good fortune, the redesigned prayer flags double up as compact first-aid kits, allowing riders to carry basic medical supplies throughout their journey. The initiative has been rolled out across key Himalayan biking hubs, with kits distributed through bike rental outlets, bikers’ cafés and specially designed flag dispensers.
By integrating safety into an existing cultural practice, Hero MotoCorp positions rider well-being as a shared responsibility rather than an afterthought. The activation reinforces the brand’s broader commitment to safety-led innovation, using simple, scalable solutions tailored to real-world riding conditions.
Hero MotoCorp Ltd head of marketing Aashish Midha, said the campaign reflects the company’s intent to go beyond commercial outcomes by addressing on-ground challenges where medical access is scarce. Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Kartik Smetacek, said the idea’s strength lay in turning symbolism into utility, solving a real problem with cultural sensitivity and scale.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
