MAM
Brics Educational Film and Media Association appoints Syed Sultan Ahmed as vice-president
Indian education reformer to boost film and media learning across Brics
NEW DELHI: The Brics Educational Film and Media Association has appointed Syed Sultan Ahmed as its Vice-President, signalling a renewed push to strengthen educational film, media literacy and cross-border school collaboration across Brics and Brics+ nations.
Ahmed becomes the first Indian educator to actively support Befma’s expansion across the growing Brics+ network. In his new role, he will steer strategic programmes aimed at building a more inclusive and innovative media education ecosystem, enabling educators and students to not only consume content thoughtfully but also create it with confidence and global relevance.
“I’m honoured to join Befma at a moment when film and media are becoming vital tools for education and global conversation,” said Ahmed. “I look forward to working with educators, filmmakers and young creators across Brics to expand access, deepen media literacy and give learners the means to tell their own stories to the world.”
Ahmed is widely regarded as a pioneer at the intersection of cinema and education. An education reformer, social entrepreneur and Indian National Award-winning filmmaker, he has spent more than two decades weaving life skills and storytelling into school leadership and curriculum design.
He currently serves as chairperson of The Association of International Schools of India, where he works closely with international curriculum schools to strengthen governance and professional development. He is also the founder and chief learner of LXL Ideas, the organisation behind School Cinema, a film-based pedagogy that integrates curated films into school timetables to teach empathy, emotional intelligence and global awareness. The initiative has reached millions of students across countries.
In addition, Ahmed curates the School Cinema International Film Festival, bringing global cinema into classrooms and encouraging young people to engage critically and creatively with the world around them.
His creative credentials are equally impressive. Ahmed has received seven National Film Awards from the president of India, including honours for Best Educational Film, Best Film on Family Values and Best Film on Sports. His films have travelled to more than 575 international film festivals, earning acclaim for blending artistic storytelling with educational purpose.
With Ahmed stepping into a global leadership role at Befma, the message is clear: in a world shaped by screens, the classroom is no longer confined to four walls. Through film and media, it can stretch across borders, languages and cultures, bringing learners closer to the world and to one another.
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.
