Screen may be getting smaller, but scope is infinite: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai today, addressing a gathering of global creatives, investors, and policymakers. The summit, a first-of-its-kind initiative, aims to position India as a central hub in the global creative economy.

Describing WAVES as more than just an acronym, PM Modi declared, “WAVES is not just a word. It is truly a wave of culture, creativity, and universal connection.” The summit, attended by delegates from over 100 countries, showcased India's ambition to become a global platform for storytelling, innovation, and artistic collaboration.

Honouring India's Creative Heritage

Modi began his address by paying tribute to India’s cinematic pioneers, linking the summit’s launch to a historic moment. “Today is May 1st. On May 3rd, 1913, India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released. Its creator, Dadasaheb Phalke, laid the foundation of Indian cinema.”

He spoke of Indian cinema’s far-reaching global resonance, citing the popularity of Indian filmmakers abroad: “From Raj Kapoor's fame in Russia to Satyajit Ray’s acclaim at Cannes, and the Oscar wins of RRR and Naatu Naatu, our stories have found their way into the hearts of millions.”

Quoting a Sanskrit verse from the Natya Shastra, Modi reminded the audience, "Natyam bhāvayati lokam – Art evokes emotion in the world.” He emphasised that Indian art has always been about universal emotion and philosophical depth.

India’s Stories: Timeless, Thought-Provoking, and Truly Global

PM Modi highlighted India’s unparalleled storytelling tradition. “In India, every village has a folk song, every river whispers a tune, every corner tells a tale.” Referencing ancient works like Abhijnanashakuntalam and the epics, he noted how Indian narratives are rooted in values, spirituality, science, and sacrifice.

“Our stories have science, fiction, courage, and emotion – all intertwined. They are not just historical, they are timeless. And today, the world is searching for stories like these.”

Creative Economy as India’s Growth Engine

Making a strong pitch for India's role in the global content economy, Modi termed the current moment as the “uday kaal (dawn)” of the Orange Economy – an economy driven by content, creativity, and culture.

“India is the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer, has the third-largest startup ecosystem, and ranks No. 1 in fintech adoption. But beyond numbers, India offers something deeper – a billion-plus stories waiting to be told,” he said.

He highlighted how Indian content is gaining traction worldwide: “More than 100 countries now release Indian films. Foreign audiences don’t just watch—they try to understand. Subtitles aren’t a barrier anymore. They are bridges.”

He also mentioned the exponential growth of OTT in India, calling it a sector where “the screen may be getting smaller, but the scope is infinite.”

The Power of Youth and the Future of WAVES

Modi urged India’s young creators—from podcasters in Kochi to game designers in Bengaluru—to lead a creative revolution. “You are bringing a new wave—driven by your passion and powered by innovation. Your creativity has no baggage, no barriers, and no boundaries.”

Addressing young minds directly, he said, “This is the right time to 'Create in India, Create for the World'.” He called WAVES a platform where “creativity meets coding, software meets storytelling, and art meets augmented reality.”

He expressed confidence that the summit would foster global partnerships and inspire a new generation of storytellers.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Unity through Creativity

PM Modi reflected on his initiative during Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, where he inspired musicians from 150 countries to sing Vaishnav Jana To, a 15th-century devotional song. “It had a massive global impact. The world came together through a song that was centuries old. That’s the power of shared culture.”

He further emphasized India’s civilizational openness, quoting the Rigvedic phrase: “Āno bhadraḥ kṛtavo yantu viśvataḥ – Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.”

“India has welcomed Zoroastrians, Jews, and people from across the world. Our culture absorbs and reflects the best of all civilizations. That’s what makes Indian content so relatable, so powerful, and so global,” explained the Prime Minister.

Setting the Stage for the Future

Modi hinted at the launch of WAVES Awards, which he said would become “the most prestigious awards in the world of creativity and art.” Drawing parallels to the democratization of the Padma Awards, he assured that even grassroots talent would be recognized and celebrated.

PM Modi offered his full support to the creative community: “Our government stands with you—from Skill India to startup policies, from support for AVGC industries to platforms like WAVES—we are here to power your dreams. Together, let’s not just capture minds, but also win hearts.”