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India launches major initiatives for Waves Summit 2025
MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting marked a significant milestone today with the launch of key initiatives for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (Waves) at the National Media Centre. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led the event, which highlighted India’s ambition to become a global hub for the creative economy.
The Waves Summit, envisioned as India’s answer to the Davos Economic Forum, aims to showcase the nation’s rich cultural and creative landscape, often referred to as the ‘Orange Economy.’
Key Initiatives Launched:
* Waves Bazaar: A global e-marketplace connecting India’s creative talent with international markets, supporting B2B interactions across sectors like film, TV, music, animation, esports, and gaming.
* Create in India Challenges: Three new challenges launched:
o Wah Ustad! – A platform for young classical vocalists, culminating in a grand finale at Waves 2025.
o Make the World Wear Khadi – A creative campaign to position Khadi as a global brand.
o Resonate: The EDM Challenge – Inviting global talent to showcase expertise in electronic dance music.
* Waves Awards: Nominations open on 15 February 2025, celebrating achievements across categories like Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year.
A new challenge was also announced to encourage filmmakers to explore India’s cultural heritage and tourism, promoting the country’s vibrant traditions to national and international audiences.
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “Waves will position India as the global capital of the creator economy, celebrating our cultural strength and innovation.”
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, added: “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage.”
Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur described India as a “powerhouse of cultural and digital content”, emphasising Waves as a critical platform to demonstrate India’s creative leadership globally.
The summit, scheduled for 2025, aims to converge audio, video, and entertainment industries, offering creators a platform to collaborate, network, and showcase their talents to a global audience.
Says a disgruntled media observer: “Twice, they have postponed it – twice. Waves is a good initiative but the management of its rollout is something that the government needs to get in order and not just leave it to sarkari types who pay obeisance to their superiors. The prime minister may be behind it, but he is not going to execute it on the ground. IFFI has taken decades to reach the quality it has reached now. The MIB will have to put a lot of checks and balances in place to make Waves work. They can’t continue living in their echo chambers where everything they are doing is good. Shekhar Kapur as a face is history. The doubting Thomases are wondering whether it will be postponed again.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
