Delhi, 1 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated WAVES 2025, India’s first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, coinciding with Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Statehood Day. He welcomed international guests and underscored the presence of artists, innovators, investors, and policymakers from over 100 nations, marking a pivotal move towards a global talent ecosystem. Modi characterized WAVES as a symbol of culture, creativity, and connectivity, encompassing film, music, gaming, animation, and storytelling, thereby creating a collaborative platform for artists.
Reflecting on India’s cinematic legacy through the lens of the first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, he acknowledged the worldwide influence of Indian cinema, celebrating icons like Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, and the Oscar-winning RRR. Modi highlighted contributions from artists such as Guru Dutt and A.R. Rahman that have enhanced India’s cultural stature globally.
He emphasized India’s creative potential and past initiatives, such as the performance by singers from 150 nations during Gandhi’s 150th birthday. The WAVES summit reflects the synergy of India’s creative industry and international collaboration. Celebrating the summit’s success, he acknowledged the Advisory Board’s efforts and the extensive Creators Challenge, which involved 100,000 professionals from 60 countries and produced 800 finalists.
PM Modi expressed eagerness to experience creative innovations at the Bharat Pavilion, praised the WAVES Bazaar for nurturing talent, and likened creativity to a child’s experience of sound. He emphasized future collective efforts and announced the WAVES Awards as a prestigious recognition in the arts, reinforcing a commitment to fostering inspiration through creativity.
During the WAVES Summit, Prime Minister Modi showcased India’s rapid economic ascent, positioning it as the world’s third-largest economy. He praised India’s leadership in global fintech, its status as the second-largest mobile manufacturer, and its burgeoning startup ecosystem. PM Modi asserted that India’s evolution into a developed nation has only commenced, fueled by its billion-plus populace and their diverse stories.
Touching on India’s rich artistic legacy, he referenced Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra and Kalidasa’s Abhijnana-Shakuntalam, emphasizing the emotional depth of art and culture embedded in every facet of life, including contributions from six lakh villages. The essence of Indian music was highlighted, encapsulating narratives across genres, from bhajans to modern tracks.
PM Modi also introduced the concept of Naad Brahma, the divine sound, illustrated by symbols like Shiva’s Damru and Saraswati’s Veena. He announced a transformative vision of “Create in India, Create for the World,” aimed at globally sharing India’s storytelling, which encompasses culture, science, and valor.
Linking the People’s Padma awards to the WAVES Summit, he stressed both initiatives celebrate talent from every corner of India, with the People’s Padma recognizing contributions from remote areas. Similarly, WAVES aims to provide a global platform for showcasing India’s creative talents in film, music, animation, and gaming.
Reiterating India’s openness to diverse ideas, he included diplomats in the conversation on global artistic achievements, inviting the international creative community to explore India’s rich narrative landscape.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
