India is set to host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time in February 2025. This landmark event, aimed at showcasing India’s potential as a global hub for content creation, will bring together media and entertainment leaders, along with creative professionals from around the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address on Sunday, offering insights into the significance of the upcoming Summit.
Taking a cue from global forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Modi explained that the event would serve as a platform for fostering collaborations and presenting India’s dynamic creative talents to the world.
The WAVES Summit, scheduled to take place from February 5-9 in Delhi next year, will draw industry experts from Bollywood, regional cinema, animation, gaming, and entertainment technology, underscoring India's position as a rising powerhouse in content creation.
"This Summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation," Prime Minister Modi said, adding that the country’s young creators would play a crucial role in this transformation.
The Prime Minister spoke with pride about India's growing creator economy, which plays a pivotal part in the nation's journey to becoming a five trillion-dollar economy.
"Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology, I encourage you to be a part of the WAVES Summit," he stated.
The Summit aims to not only highlight India’s advancements in various entertainment sectors but also to bring attention to the country’s rich cultural and cinematic legacy.
Modi took this opportunity to pay tribute to iconic figures in Indian cinema—Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi—on their 100th birth anniversaries.
Describing Raj Kapoor’s contribution to Indian cinema, Modi said that the filmmaker played a key role in projecting India's soft power through his timeless works.
The Prime Minister also lauded the lasting impact of Rafi’s voice, which continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Modi took a moment to recall the contributions of Telugu cinema legend Akkineni Nageswara Rao, as well as the socially conscious films of Tapan Sinha, which have had a lasting influence on both cinema and Indian society.
“These legends shaped the golden era of Indian cinema and left an indelible mark on our cultural heritage,” Modi said, emphasising the importance of their work in strengthening national unity and identity.
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