Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for India’s media and entertainment industry. The summit gathered a distinguished audience, including prominent figures from the Indian film industry, digital content creators, and key stakeholders from across the globe.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the vast potential of India’s creative sector to drive economic growth and global influence. He emphasised the importance of harnessing India’s storytelling traditions and technological advancements to create content that resonates internationally. “The world today is seeking new modes of storytelling, and India, with its rich heritage and immense talent, is well-positioned to lead this transformation,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for “creative responsibility” in the evolving digital age. He cautioned against the dehumanizing effects of excessive technology use, stressing the importance of maintaining human sensitivity in content creation. “Humans should not be turned into robots. We must work to make them more sensitive,” he said, adding that protecting younger generations from anti-humanistic influences must remain a priority.
PM Modi’s remarks come at a time when concerns over controversial online content have been mounting, prompting judicial scrutiny and public debate. Addressing these concerns, the Prime Minister called for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while upholding ethical standards.
The WAVES summit, described by the Prime Minister’s Office as a “first-of-its-kind” event in India, is set to feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses. These sessions will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), film production, and digital media. The event aims to establish India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister announced plans to introduce the WAVES Awards, which will recognise and celebrate excellence in creative industries. He expressed confidence that initiatives like WAVES would not only boost India’s creative economy but also position Indian music, cinema, and digital content as major players on the global stage. “Just as Indian cuisine has gained global recognition, I am certain that Indian music will also become universally popular,” he remarked.
The summit’s broader objective is to foster collaboration between creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers, thereby nurturing a vibrant ecosystem that supports both domestic growth and international outreach. “Even though screen sizes are shrinking, the scope of storytelling is expanding exponentially,” Modi observed, underscoring the limitless opportunities available in today’s digital landscape.