Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, highlighting India’s growing influence as a global storytelling hub and calling the creative economy the new frontier of national growth.
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of film icons, content creators, entrepreneurs and policymakers from over 100 countries, PM Modi declared, “India is not just a market for stories, it is a powerhouse of storytelling.” He hailed the WAVES summit as a convergence of global talent, with over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300 companies, and 350 startups in attendance.
“Artists, innovators, investors and policymakers from more than 100 countries have come together under one roof today. We’ve laid the foundation of a global ecosystem of creativity,” he said.
PM Modi played on the summit’s acronym, saying, “WAVES is not just an acronym, it’s a real wave. Films, music, gaming, animation and storytelling are all riding it. From the first moment, this summit has made a global impact and more such waves will follow.”
He also underlined the growing reach of Indian cinema and culture. “Our time has just started. We are moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. This is the era of India’s orange economy built on content, creativity, and culture,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “Indian movies are now being released in over 100 countries.”
In a nod to human creativity in an increasingly automated world, PM Modi stressed, “In the age of AI and automation, it is our imagination, our sensitivity, and our cultural expression that make us truly human and truly global.”
He also announced the creation of the WAVES Awards, aimed at becoming the world’s most prestigious recognition platform for arts and creativity. “These awards will celebrate storytelling and innovation from every corner of the globe,” he said.
The summit marks a major push to position India as a global media and entertainment hub, blending culture with commerce in a rapidly transforming digital landscape.