MAM
Senco Gold & Diamonds introduces AI-powered Diwali prayer initiative for Lakshmi devotees
Mumbai: Senco Gold & Diamonds, India’s leading jewellery retailer having a legacy of over 80 years and with a national footprint of over 150 showrooms, announced the launch of a pioneering AI-powered initiative for Diwali 2023 in partnership with Mindshare India and the cutting-edge voice AI firm, HiVoco Content Tech Studios.
As part of this ground-breaking initiative, participants have the opportunity to receive a personalised prayer video seeking divine blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity during Diwali. And keeping with the tradition of purchasing gold during the auspicious days of Dhanteras and Diwali, there is also an opportunity to win a coveted Gold Coin from Senco Gold & Diamonds for people who are participating.
To participate, one simply needs to register on the website sencocelebrations.com by providing their name and email address. Upon completing the registration, the personalised prayer video by Acharya Shastri of Laxminarayan Mandir, Delhi shall be delivered to the participant’s email.
Senco Gold & Diamonds MD and CEO Suvankar Sen said, “Senco Gold & Diamonds is at the forefront of marrying tradition with technology. We’re taking a significant leap this festive season to connect with our audience by personalizing their experience with innovative AI solutions.”
Celebrating the traditional act of prayer and offering during Diwali, users receive personalised prayers for Goddess Lakshmi through synthetic voice videos crafted using their names and personalized Golden Cards are created for each participant as well.
HiVoco CEO Pritesh Chothani highlighted the transformative power of AI in marketing, stating, “Generative AI is revolutionizing how brands like Senco Gold & Diamonds interact with customers. Our collaboration for this Diwali campaign epitomizes how AI can cater to the individual at scale, making meaningful moments of engagement.
This innovative campaign not only underscores Senco Gold & Diamonds’ commitment to innovation but also showcases the immense potential of generative AI in revolutionizing customer-brand interactions. It stands as a testament to how modern technology can be harnessed to provide a personalized touch to festive traditions.”
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.
