May 2, 2025: At the ongoing World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, Nita Ambani, the Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, delivered a compelling speech on the second day of the event, captivating the audience with her powerful message on “Taking Indian Culture to the World.”
The event, held at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai, saw a jam-packed auditorium filled with over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries. During her speech, Nita Ambani highlighted the unique blend of India’s sacred traditions and modern dynamism. She emphasized that India’s cultural heritage, combined with the energy of its youthful population, provides an unmatched foundation for global influence.
“We are a country enriched by the wisdom of its civilisation, but equally energised by the throbbing energy of the world’s youngest population,” she said, illustrating how India stands at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern vitality. She also touched on India’s growing economic power, with the nation poised to become the third-largest economy globally, and how that economic strength complements India’s rising global soft power.
Reflecting on India’s rich history, Nita Ambani noted that India is the origin of the word “OM,” a sacred sound symbolizing the birth of the universe, and highlighted the nation’s immense contributions to global culture, including Sanskrit, which has influenced many languages worldwide. She also celebrated India’s legacy in fields like yoga, Ayurveda, science, arts, classical music, and dance.
“India is the origin of OM, the sound of the birth of our universe, the birthplace of zero, shunya, the beginning of the infinite, the home of Sanskrit that gave the world language. The land of Yoga and Ayurveda, the pioneer in science and philosophy, from Aryabhatta’s astronomical calculations to Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta,” Ambani explained, stressing India’s pivotal role in shaping the world’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
Calling India a “timeless civilisation,” Nita Ambani underscored how the country has gifted humanity the enduring ideals of truth, non-violence, unity, and peace. She referenced iconic Indian texts like the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, as well as the teachings of spiritual leaders like Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi.
She also expressed her gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in positioning India as a leading voice on the global stage. “For centuries, India has gifted the world its wisdom, its beauty, and its soul. Somewhere along the way, our voice softened. But now it is rising again, and for that, we owe deep gratitude to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose unwavering vision and leadership have reignited India’s voice on the world stage with pride and purpose,” Ambani remarked.
Nita Ambani also paid tribute to young global icons such as musician Anoushka Shankar, classical musician Rishabh Sharma, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, and actress Priyanka Chopra for carrying the spirit of India around the world. She commended them for showcasing Indian culture in their respective fields, noting, “Today, India’s spirit is inspiring the world like never before. Despite living away from India, young global icons are holding the spirit of India dear to their hearts and spreading the message of Indianness.”
WAVES 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, is a landmark event in the world of entertainment and culture, bringing together over 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, and 350+ startups from across the globe. The summit, which spans diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, films, and digital media, will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses, offering a platform for global collaboration and innovation in entertainment and media.
Through her address, Nita Ambani has once again reinforced India’s place as a cultural powerhouse, blending ancient traditions with contemporary energy and showcasing how India continues to shape global narratives.