Ashwini Vaishnaw Emphasizes India's focus on Developing the Content Creator Economy

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, delivered a video message during the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which was held in Panaji on Wednesday. He said that India is currently looking at building the economy of content creators, that is promoting the video content of India’s history, culture, and its different languages. He pointed out that with the infusion of technology and the expanding of the creators’ ecosystem, there is an opportunity for India to contribute greatly to the global media and entertainment industry.

"We in India at this point in time are very much focussed on developing content creators' economy. We have a very vibrant creators' economy where people are coming up with very innovative content showcasing some of the very rich heritage of India, the cuisines of India, the culture of India and the gems of Indian language and literature," he said.

In another piece, Vaishnaw explained that the creative economy of the country has now reached the size of a 30 billion-dollar industry, representing close to 2.5 percent of the GDP, and providing employment to eight percent of the population.

The opening ceremony of the 55th edition of IFFI was an elaborate affair held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panaji.

While presenting information, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting mentioned that such cities as Guwahati, Kochi, and Indore are turning into creative centers, thus triggering the so-called democracy of creativity with many layers to it. He also pointed out that the 110 crore internet users of India and the 70 crore social media users of the country is helping put creativity in the hands of the masses.

Vaishnaw also added that the creative economy has a much broader reach than it is confined to GDP growth. It also extends to many other aspects like tourism and hospitality and technology by encouraging and supporting the industries associated with them.

"Additionally, digital platforms empower marginalized voices, promoting social inclusion, diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage," he said.