Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai where he emphasised the immense potential of Indian content to drive an economic renaissance.
Addressing an audience that included film celebrities, creators, and business leaders from over 100 countries, PM Modi said India is not just a market for stories but also a powerhouse of storytelling.
The summit hosted over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups.
“Artists, innovators, investors and policy makers from more than 100 countries have come together under one roof today. In a way, we have laid down the foundation of global talent, global creativity and global ecosystem,” he stressed.
The prime minister said that WAVES is not just an acronym but a real wave.
“Films, music, gaming, animation and storytelling are riding on this wave. Right from the first moment, the summit began to roar. It has attracted the world’s attention in its very first summit. More such beautiful waves are about to come,” PM Modi noted.
Pointing to India’s march to becoming the third largest economy in the world, he said, “Our time has just started. We have a lot to offer. This is the rising time of the orange economy of India and content, creativity, and culture are the pivots of the orange economy. The Indian movies are reaching all corners of the world,” he said adding, “The Indian movies are being released in more than 100 countries”.
{{/usCountry}}Pointing to India’s march to becoming the third largest economy in the world, he said, “Our time has just started. We have a lot to offer. This is the rising time of the orange economy of India and content, creativity, and culture are the pivots of the orange economy. The Indian movies are reaching all corners of the world,” he said adding, “The Indian movies are being released in more than 100 countries”.
{{/usCountry}}Highlighting the importance of art, music, and human emotion in an increasingly technological era, PM Modi said, “In the age of AI and automation, our sensitivity, imagination, and cultural expression is what that makes us truly human — and truly global.”
Modi also announced WAVES Awards, which he described as the world’s premier recognition platform for creativity and storytelling.
“In future, waves awards will be launched which will be the most prestigious awards in arts and creativity world”, he said.