New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 on May 1 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The four-day summit aims to position India as a global hub for creativity, storytelling, and entertainment innovation.
PM Modi emphasized India’s rich cultural heritage, stating, “Every street in India has a story, every mountain a song, every river hums a tune.” He invited creators to make India their playground and share its untold stories with the world. “Create in India, create for the world,” he urged.
Highlighting the economic potential of the creative sector, PM Modi introduced the concept of the ‘Orange Economy,’ which encompasses content, creativity, and culture. He noted that this sector is poised to significantly contribute to India’s GDP in the coming years.
The Prime Minister paid homage to iconic figures in Indian cinema, including Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, and Mohammed Rafi, acknowledging their contributions to India’s cultural legacy.
PM Modi welcomed over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries, including industry leaders like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mukesh Ambani. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between creators and investors to foster innovation and global reach.
The summit introduced 31 ‘Create in India’ challenges across various domains such as music, gaming, animation, and filmmaking. These initiatives aim to identify and nurture talent, providing creators with platforms to showcase their skills and contribute to India’s creative economy. WAVES 2025 marks a significant step towards establishing India as a leader in the global entertainment and creative industries, fostering innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
