Delhi, May 1
\nPrime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the WAVES 2025, India\u2019s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he greeted everyone on the occasion of Maharashtra day and Gujarat Statehood day being celebrated today. Acknowledging the presence of all international dignitaries, ambassadors, and leaders from the creative industry, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing that over 100 countries’ artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers have come together to lay the foundation for a global ecosystem of talent and creativity. \u201cWAVES is not merely an acronym but a wave representing culture, creativity, and universal connectivity\u201d, he remarked, further underlining that the summit showcases the expansive world of films, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling, offering a global platform for artists and creators to connect and collaborate. The Prime Minister congratulated all participants on this historic occasion and extended his warm welcome to the distinguished guests from India and abroad.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on India’s rich cinematic history at the WAVES Summit, Shri Modi noted that on May 3, 1913, India\u2019s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released, directed by the pioneering filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke. He recalled that Phalke\u2019s birth anniversary was celebrated just a day earlier. He underscored the impact of Indian cinema over the past century, stating that it has successfully taken India’s cultural essence to every corner of the world. He highlighted the popularity of Raj Kapoor in Russia, the global recognition of Satyajit Ray at Cannes, and the Oscar-winning success of RRR, emphasizing how Indian filmmakers continue to shape global narratives. He also acknowledged the cinematic poetry of Guru Dutt, the social reflections of Ritwik Ghatak, the musical genius of A.R. Rahman, and the epic storytelling of S.S. Rajamouli, stating that each of these artists has brought Indian culture to life for millions worldwide. Shri Modi also remarked that Indian cinema legends were honored through commemorative postage stamps, paying tribute to their contributions to the industry.<\/p>\n
Emphasising the importance of India\u2019s creative capability and global collaboration, the Prime Minister remarked that over the years, he has engaged with professionals from gaming, music, filmmaking, and acting, discussing ideas and insights that deepened his understanding of the creative industries. He highlighted a unique initiative undertaken during Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s 150th birth anniversary, where singers from 150 countries came together to perform \u2018Vaishnav Jan To\u2019, a hymn written by Narsinh Mehta nearly 500-600 years ago. He stated that this global artistic effort created a significant impact, bringing the world together in harmony. He further noted that several individuals present at the summit had contributed to the Gandhi One Fifty initiative by creating short video messages, advancing Gandhi\u2019s philosophies. He remarked that the collective strength of India’s creative world, combined with international collaboration, has already demonstrated its potential, and that vision has now materialized as WAVES.<\/p>\n
Shri Modi praised the resounding success of the first edition of the WAVES Summit, stating that from its very first moment, the event has captured global attention and is \u201croaring with purpose.\u201d He acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the summit\u2019s Advisory Board, emphasizing their role in making WAVES a landmark event in the creative industry. He highlighted the large-scale Creators Challenge and Creatosphere initiative, which saw participation from approximately 100,000 creative professionals across 60 countries. He remarked that out of 32 challenges, 800 finalists have been selected, recognizing their talent and congratulating them on their achievement. He encouraged the finalists, stating that they now have the opportunity to make their mark on the global creative stage.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for the creative developments showcased at the Bharat Pavilion during the WAVES Summit. He remarked that significant innovation has been achieved, and he looked forward to witnessing these creations firsthand. The Prime Minister highlighted the WAVES Bazaar initiative, noting its potential to encourage new creators and connect them with emerging markets. He praised the concept of linking buyers and sellers in the art industry, stating that such initiatives strengthen the creative economy and provide fresh opportunities for artists.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the deep-rooted connection between creativity and human experience, stating that a child’s journey begins with the lullaby of a mother, their first introduction to sound and music, Shri Modi remarked that just as a mother weaves dreams for her child, creative professionals shape the dreams of an era. He underscored that the essence of WAVES lies in bringing together such visionary individuals who inspire and influence generations through their art.<\/p>\n
Reaffirming his belief in collective efforts, stating that the dedication of artists, creators, and industry leaders will elevate WAVES to new heights in the coming years, Shri Modi urged his industry counterparts to continue the same level of support and handholding that made the first edition of the summit a success. He remarked that many exciting waves are yet to come and announced that WAVES Awards will be launched in the future, establishing themselves as the most prestigious honors in the world of art and creativity. He emphasized the need for sustained commitment, stating that the goal is to win the hearts of people across the world and inspire generations through creativity.<\/p>\n
Highlighting India\u2019s rapid economic progress, stating that the nation is on its way to becoming the world\u2019s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister remarked that India holds the number one position in global fintech adoption, is the second-largest mobile manufacturer, and has the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide. He emphasized that India\u2019s journey toward becoming a developed nation has only begun and has much more to offer. \u201cIndia is not only home to a billion-plus population but also a billion-plus stories\u201d, he added. Referencing the country\u2019s rich artistic history, he recalled that two thousand years ago, Bharata Muni\u2019s Natya Shastra emphasized the power of art in shaping emotions and human experiences. He noted that centuries ago, Kalidasa\u2019s Abhijnana-Shakuntalam introduced a new direction in classical drama. Prime Minister underscored the deep cultural roots of India, stating that every street has a story, every mountain carries a song, and every river hums a tune. He remarked that India’s six lakh villages each have their own folk traditions and unique storytelling styles, with communities preserving their histories through folklore. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Indian music, noting that whether it is bhajans, ghazals, classical compositions, or contemporary tunes, every melody carries a story, and every rhythm holds a soul.<\/p>\n
Shri Modi underscored India’s deep-rooted artistic and spiritual heritage at the WAVES Summit, highlighting the concept of Naad Brahma, the divine sound. He remarked that Indian mythology has always expressed divinity through music and dance, citing Lord Shiva\u2019s Damru as the first cosmic sound, Goddess Saraswati\u2019s Veena as the rhythm of wisdom, Lord Krishna\u2019s Flute as an eternal message of love, and Lord Vishnu\u2019s Shankha as a call for positive energy. He emphasized that the mesmerizing cultural presentation at the summit also reflected this rich heritage. Declaring that \u201cthis is the right time,\u201d Shri Modi reiterated India\u2019s vision of Create in India, Create for the World, asserting that the country\u2019s storytelling tradition offers an invaluable treasure spanning thousands of years. He highlighted that India’s stories are Timeless, Thought-Provoking, and Truly Global, encompassing not just cultural themes but also science, sports, courage, and bravery. He remarked that India\u2019s storytelling landscape blends science with fiction, and heroism with innovation, forming a vast and diverse creative ecosystem. He called upon the WAVES platform to take on the responsibility of sharing India\u2019s extraordinary stories with the world, bringing them to future generations through new and engaging formats.<\/p>\n
Drawing parallels between the People\u2019s Padma awards and the vision behind the WAVES Summit, stating that both initiatives aim to recognize and uplift talent from every corner of India, the Prime Minister remarked that while Padma Awards started a few years after independence, they truly transformed when India embraced the People\u2019s Padma, recognizing individuals serving the nation from remote areas. This shift, he emphasized, turned the awards from a ceremony into a national celebration. Similarly, the Prime Minister stated that WAVES will serve as a global platform for India’s immense creative talent across films, music, animation, and gaming, ensuring that artists from every part of the country find recognition on an international stage.<\/p>\n
Underscoring India’s tradition of embracing diverse ideas and cultures, referencing a Sanskrit phrase, Shri Modi emphasized that India’s civilizational openness has welcomed communities like Parsis and Jews, who have thrived in the country and become an integral part of its cultural fabric. He acknowledged the presence of ministers and representatives from various countries, noting that every nation has its own successes and contributions. He remarked that India’s strength lies in respecting and celebrating global artistic achievements, reinforcing the country’s commitment to creative collaboration. He emphasized that by creating content that reflects the accomplishments of different cultures and nations, WAVES can strengthen the vision of global connectivity and artistic exchange.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the global creative community, assuring them that engaging with India\u2019s stories would reveal narratives deeply resonant with their own cultures. He emphasized that India\u2019s rich storytelling tradition carries themes and emotions that transcend borders, creating a natural and meaningful connection. He remarked that international artists and creators who explore India\u2019s stories will experience an organic bond with the nation\u2019s heritage. He stated that this cultural synergy will make India\u2019s vision of Create in India even more compelling and accessible to the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the time of dawn of Orange Economy in India, Content, Creativity and Culture – the three pillars of Orange Economy\u201d, exclaimed Shri Modi, remarking that Indian films have now reached audiences in over 100 countries, with global viewers increasingly seeking to understand Indian cinema beyond surface-level appreciation. He highlighted the growing trend of international audiences watching Indian content with subtitles, signaling deeper engagement with India’s stories. Shri Modi also noted that India\u2019s OTT industry has witnessed tenfold growth in recent years, stating that while screen sizes may be shrinking, the scope of content is infinite, with micro screens delivering mega messages. He observed that Indian cuisine is becoming a global favorite and expressed confidence that Indian music will soon gain similar worldwide recognition.<\/p>\n
Emphasizing the immense potential of India\u2019s creative economy, stating that in the coming years, its contribution to the country\u2019s GDP is set to increase significantly, the Prime Minister remarked, \u201cIndia is emerging as a global hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, and music\u201d. He noted the promising growth opportunities in the live concert industry and the vast potential in the global animation market, which currently stands at over $430 billion and is projected to double in the next decade. The Prime Minister highlighted that this presents a significant opportunity for India’s animation and graphics industry, urging stakeholders to leverage this expansion for greater international reach.<\/p>\n
Calling upon India’s young creators to drive the nation’s Orange Economy forward, acknowledging that their passion and hard work are shaping a new wave of creativity, Shri Modi emphasized that whether they are musicians from Guwahati, podcasters from Kochi, game designers in Bengaluru, or filmmakers in Punjab, their contributions are fueling India’s growing creative sector. He assured that the government stands firmly behind creative professionals, supporting them through initiatives like Skill India, Startup Support, policies for the AVGC Industry, and global platforms like WAVES. He remarked that every effort is being made to build an environment where innovation and imagination are valued, fostering new dreams and empowering individuals to bring those dreams to life. Shri Modi highlighted that WAVES will serve as a major platform where Creativity meets Coding, Software blends with Storytelling, and Art merges with Augmented Reality. He urged young creators to make the most of this opportunity, dream big, and dedicate their efforts to realizing their visions.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister expressed his unwavering confidence in India\u2019s content creators, highlighting that their free-flowing creativity is redefining the global creative landscape. He emphasized that the youthful spirit of India’s creators knows no barriers, boundaries, or hesitation, allowing innovation to thrive. He remarked that through his personal interactions with young creators, gamers, and digital artists, he has witnessed firsthand the energy and talent emerging from India’s creative ecosystem. He acknowledged that India’s massive young population is driving new creative dimensions, from reels, podcasts, and games to animation, stand-up, and AR-VR formats. The Prime Minister asserted that WAVES is a platform designed specifically for this generation\u2014one that enables young minds to reimagine and redefine the creative revolution with their energy and efficiency.<\/p>\n
Underscoring the importance of Creative Responsibility in a technology-driven 21st century, Shri Modi emphasised that as technology increasingly influences human lives, extra efforts are needed to preserve emotional sensitivity and cultural richness. He remarked that the creative world holds the power to foster human compassion and deepen societal consciousness. He asserted that the goal is not to create robots but to nurture individuals with heightened sensitivity, emotional depth, and intellectual richness\u2014qualities that cannot stem from information overload or technological speed alone. Shri Modi stressed on the importance of art, music, dance, and storytelling, noting that these forms have kept human sensibilities alive for thousands of years. He urged creatives to reinforce these traditions and build a more compassionate future. He also highlighted the need to protect young generations from divisive and harmful ideologies, stating that WAVES can serve as a vital platform to uphold cultural integrity and instill positive values. He warned that neglecting this responsibility could have grave consequences for future generations.<\/p>\n
Emphasising the transformative impact of technology on the creative world, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of global coordination to harness its full potential. He remarked that WAVES will serve as a bridge connecting Indian creators with global storytellers, animators with global visionaries, and transform gamers to global champions. He invited international investors and creators to embrace India as their content playground and explore the country’s vast creative ecosystem. Addressing global creators, the Prime Minister urged them to dream big and tell their story. He encouraged investors to invest not just in platforms, but in people, and called on Indian youth to share their one billion untold stories with the world. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all participants of the inaugural WAVES Summit.<\/p>\n
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr. L. Murugan were present among other dignitaries at the event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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