Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing importance of technology in people's lives on Thursday, calling on content creators to use art forms like music, dance, and storytelling to build a more compassionate future.
Speaking at the inauguration of the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), Modi emphasised the need for creative responsibility in today’s rapidly evolving world.
"Humans should not be turned into robots. We need to make them more sensitive," Modi stated, underscoring the crucial role of human empathy in an era dominated by technology. His remarks were delivered at WAVES, a summit designed to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation. The event brought together creators, start-ups, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world.
The Prime Minister's comments come amid an ongoing debate over online content regulation, with the Supreme Court having recently called for the government to draft guidelines to manage such content.
Modi emphasised the potential of WAVES to become a global talent platform, particularly as India emerges as an international leader in film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music, and live concerts. He referred to the current moment as the "right time for 'create in India, create for the world'," noting that while the world seeks new ways of storytelling, India has much to offer in this arena.
The Prime Minister elaborated on how the creative world holds the power to nurture human compassion and deepen societal awareness. He said the goal was not to produce robots, but individuals with greater sensitivity, emotional depth, and intellectual richness—qualities that cannot emerge from mere information overload or the rapid pace of technology.
In addition, Modi stressed the importance of protecting younger generations from divisive and harmful ideologies, arguing that WAVES can play a vital role in preserving cultural integrity and instilling positive values. He also highlighted the summit's potential to be a platform that fosters unity and celebrates India's creative potential on the global stage.
The summit opened with a powerful rendition of a hymn from the Rigveda, set to music by Academy Award-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, and performed by renowned singers, including Shreya Ghoshal.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan officially welcomed guests to the event, and prominent film personalities like Anupam Kher, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Rajnikanth, Kartik Aryan, S.S. Rajamouli, and Anil Kapoor made brief speeches, all of which praised Modi’s vision of creating a global platform for Indian talent.
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Modi further expressed confidence in India's content creators, acknowledging their role in reshaping the global creative landscape. He emphasised the youthful spirit of India's creators, stating that it transcends boundaries and barriers, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
Referring to the global appeal of Indian culture, he joked, "Like Indian 'khana' (food), I am sure Indian 'gaana' (music) will also become globally popular." He also noted that while screen sizes may be shrinking, the scope of Indian stories is becoming ever more expansive. "Even though the screen size is getting smaller, the scope is becoming infinite," he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated his government's strong support for creative professionals, pointing to initiatives such as Skill India, Startup Support, and policies tailored to the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) industry. He also highlighted global platforms like WAVES as part of the government’s effort to support the creative economy.
Modi emphasised that his government was working to create an environment where innovation and imagination are highly valued, allowing individuals to pursue their dreams. He expressed confidence that WAVES would become a major platform where creativity intersects with coding, storytelling blends with software, and art merges with augmented reality. He concluded his speech by urging young creators to take full advantage of this opportunity, dream big, and dedicate themselves to realising their visions.
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