MUMBAI, April 30: It may just be Meghalaya’s time to shine at the much-anticipated milestone event in the Media & Entertainment sector — WAVES (World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit) 2025, with Khambor Batei Kharjana from the state being named among the top 42 finalists in the Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC).
The summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Thursday.
Kharjana’s representation at the WAVES 2025 is a proud moment for the Northeast. His project ‘Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined’, part of the Create in India Challenge Season-1, will compete for the top honour in this prestigious category.
A four-member media delegation from Assam and Meghalaya has also arrived in Mumbai to participate in the summit. Organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this media tour offers regional journalists the opportunity to engage with national and international leaders from the industry.
The delegation includes representatives from Northeast Live, Pratidin Time, Dainik Janambhoomi, and The Shillong Times, and is led by Barnali Mahanta, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Guwahati.
This groundbreaking four-day event, poised to elevate India’s Media & Entertainment industry to unprecedented heights, will feature engaging panel discussions, thought-provoking discourses, interactive sessions, and enriching masterclasses led by industry luminaries. The multi-dimensional experience over the next four days promises to offer valuable takeaways for stakeholders, driving the M&E sector toward a future-ready India.
WAVES 2025 aims to amplify India’s voice as a global powerhouse in Media & Entertainment. From its debut edition, the summit serves as a dynamic platform to showcase India’s creative vibrancy and global potential in the M&E landscape. The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, also seeks to leverage India’s rich cultural legacy to promote global harmony and foster growth in the creator economy.
Meanwhile, hectic preparations are under way at the convention centre, with elaborate security arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and successful event.
The Creatosphere at WAVES will feature immersive experiences including masterclasses, workshops, a gaming arena, and the Grand Finale of the Create in India Challenges, culminating in the WAVES CIC Awards.
A highlight of the summit, the Global Media Dialogue — scheduled for May 2, 2025 — will bring together global leaders, policymakers, media professionals, and artists to engage in meaningful discussions on international collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical practices shaping the industry.
The Thought Leaders Track will feature plenary and breakout sessions where CEOs and global leaders will share insights and explore opportunities for strategic collaboration.
The WaveXcelerator segment will connect startups in the M&E space with investors and mentors through live pitching sessions, acting as a catalyst for innovation, funding, and scale.
The WAVES Bazaar, a premier marketplace for the M&E industry, will offer filmmakers and professionals a platform to network with buyers and sellers across a range of projects. The Viewing Room, open from May 1-4, will feature a curated library of 100 films from 8 countries including India, Sri Lanka, the USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius, and the UAE.
The Bharat Pavilion, themed “Kala to Code”, will celebrate the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. It will highlight how India’s artistic traditions serve as a beacon of creativity and cultural diplomacy. The Pavilion will feature four immersive zones — Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap — guiding visitors through the evolution of India’s storytelling legacy.
