Govt to set up universities, facilities to enhance creators’ capabilities: Ashwini Vaishnaw

A totally new creators’ economy has been created and the same is also recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reflected in the first-ever National Creators Award presented by him in March 2024. Launching the 25 Challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge - Season 1’ for World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) yesterday (August 21, 2024), Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said that the launch was a reflection of India’s growing and evolving economy.

Growing Creators Economy: Opportunities, Infrastructure, and Job Creation

While highlighting the immense potential in this economy, the Union Minister mentioned that the creators’ economy has become a wonderful tool to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, way of life, yoga, traditional medicine system, and diversity in India’s cuisines. “The Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to encourage this economy and therefore, we need to ensure the talent and skill development and availability of necessary infrastructure in this sector,” he affirmed.

He further said, “To further develop this creators’ economy, the government is focused on creating world-class talent development programs and infrastructure. There are plans to establish world-class universities and facilities that will enhance the capabilities of creators in media and entertainment.”

Harnessing New Technologies in Filmmaking: Job Creation

Emphasizing that filmmaking is one of India’s strengths, Vaishnaw mentioned that in today’s era, there is a great scope of using new technology and tools in this sector, thereby ensuring a good scope for employment generation. It is estimated that if successfully executed, the program can generate 2-3 lakh jobs in the sector.

Social Responsibility

At the same time, the Union Minister also reminded, “We have to ensure that our society is not harmed in this journey and the responsibility lies not just with the government but also with society, industry and all of us.”

To capitalize on the immense potential in this sector, WAVES is being organised and is set to emerge as a big phenomenon in future, he added.

‘Design in India, Design for the World’

While speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Sanjay Jaju mentioned that this initiative is a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing mission to nurture and elevate India’s creative ecosystem. “It aligns seamlessly with our Prime Minister’s visionary call of ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ as articulated during his 78th Independence Day address,” he added. Highlighting the immense potential and talent within our nation, he said that WAVES stands as a testament to this potential and will serve as a global platform where the brightest minds, most talented creators, and visionary leaders from around the world will converge to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and push the boundaries of creativity.

‘Create in India Challenge - Season 1’

These challenges, hosted by leading industry associations and organizations, cover a wide range of disciplines, including animation, filmmaking, gaming, music, and visual arts. These challenges are being done in the run up to the main event.

List of ‘Create in India’ Challenges - Season 1

Anime Challenge by Media and Entertainment Association of India
Animation Filmmakers Competition by Dancing Atoms
Game Jam by India Game Developer Conference
Esports Tournament by Esports Federation of India
City Quest: Shades of Bharat by E-gaming Federation
Handheld Educational Video Game Development by Indian Digital Gaming Society
Comics Creator Championship by Indian Comics Association
Young Filmmakers Challenge by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Whistling Woods International
XR Creator Hackathon by Wavelaps and XDG
AI Film Making Competition by InVideo
WAVES Promo Video Challenge Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation
TruthTell Hackathon by India Cellular & Electronics Association
Community Radio Content Challenge by Community Radio Association
Theme Music Competition by Indian Music Industry
WAVES Hackathon: Adspend Optimizer by Advertising Agencies Association of India
WAVES AI Art Installation Challenge by Internet and Mobile Association of India
WAVES Explorer by Internet and Mobile Association of India
Reel Making Challenge by Internet and Mobile Association of India
Film Poster Making Competition National Film Archive of India – National Film Development Corporation

Virtual Influencer Creation Contest by AVTR meta labs

Battle of the Bands by Prasar Bharati
Symphony of India by Prasar Bharati
India: A Bird’s Eye View by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited
Anti-Piracy Challenge by Confederation of Indian Industry
Trailer Making Competition by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry

Registration for the challenges will open soon.

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