Prime Minister Modi Calls for Global Showcase of India’s Creative Power with WAVES Summit.
New Delhi:
In a landmark address during the 117th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a transformative opportunity for India’s entertainment and creative sectors. He announced that India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time from February 5-9, 2025, aiming to position the nation as a global leader in content creation.
Drawing parallels with the renowned Davos Summit, the Prime Minister emphasized that WAVES will offer a global stage to showcase India’s growing creative talent, bringing together giants from the media, entertainment, and technology industries worldwide. He called on young creators, seasoned professionals, and experts from Bollywood, regional cinema, TV, animation, gaming, and entertainment technology to participate in the summit, underlining its importance in India’s journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy.
“Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, I encourage you to be part of WAVES,” said Modi, highlighting the significant role of India’s vibrant creative community. The summit is set to foster collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas, further positioning India as a key player in the global content creation ecosystem.
Additionally, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the legendary icons of Indian cinema, celebrating their centenary birth anniversaries in 2024. He honored Raj Kapoor’s contribution to India’s cultural diplomacy through his films, Mohammed Rafi’s iconic voice that transcends generations, Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s impact on Telugu cinema, and Tapan Sinha’s socially impactful storytelling. These legends, Modi remarked, have shaped the golden era of Indian cinema and strengthened India’s cultural heritage.
The announcement comes shortly after the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which paid homage to these cinema icons, further solidifying their legacy in the national consciousness. As India prepares for WAVES, it marks a significant step forward in the country’s growing prominence on the global entertainment stage.