Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state foundation days, using both Marathi and Gujarati in his speech. He commenced by wishing Maharashtra well, emphasizing its cultural significance and the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Transitioning to Gujarati, he extended similar wishes to the people of Gujarat. Modi's bilingual address highlighted the importance of these celebrations and the states’ roles in national progress.
In the address during the WAVES Summit, PM Modi extended his wishes for the foundation day of Maharashtra and Gujarat while addressing in Marathi and Gujarati, saying, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajanchya bhumitil sarva bandhu baghinna Maharashtra dinnanchya Hardik subhecha." Further he continued stating "Aaje Gujarat ni pan sthapna divas che," stating that it is Gujarat's foundation day as well and wished in Gujarati, "Vishwabharma bhalayla su Gujarati bhai beheno ne pan Gujarat sthapna divas ni bahu bahu shubhkamnao"
The address occurred during the WAVES (Waterways, Advancement, Vision, and Excellence Summit) 2025 inauguration in Mumbai, where Modi laid out his vision for India's maritime industry. Key points included a focus on India’s blue economy, with an emphasis on exploiting the resources of the coastline and inland waterways for economic growth and job creation. He reassured the commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure through substantial investments in ports, shipping, and inland systems.
Modi stressed the adoption of technology to modernize the sector, improve operations, and promote safety and sustainability. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation to tackle global maritime challenges and pledged India's readiness to collaborate with other nations on a secure and sustainable maritime environment. Coastal tourism was highlighted for its potential to stimulate local economies, while he advocated for sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, he pointed to the need to strengthen Indian shipyards to reduce reliance on foreign vessels and boost domestic manufacturing. The summit brought together global industry leaders, setting the agenda for future maritime development in India.
The four-day summit gathered artists, investors, and policymakers from over 100 countries, establishing a platform for global talent and creativity. Modi articulated the significance of music and dance in Indian culture, referencing divine sounds like Lord Shiva's Damru and Mother Saraswati's Veena, portraying them as essential expressions of art. He introduced the concept of the Orange Economy, rooted in content, creativity, and culture—pillars that reflect the increasing global influence of Indian films, now showcased in over 100 countries. The OTT industry, expanding tenfold, signifies the trend where smaller screens reach wider audiences, delivering impactful messages. The status of Indian content is transforming, breaking boundaries and connecting more people worldwide, embodying the profound cultural richness inherent in the nation's artistic endeavors.
PM Narendra Modi spoke at the WAVES Summit, highlighting the global impact of Indian cinema, tracing its roots to the first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, released in 1919. He praised icons like Dadasaheb Phalke, Raj Kapoor, and Satyajit Ray for promoting Indian cinema worldwide. At the summit, he remarked on the rising popularity of Indian cuisine and expressed confidence that Indian music will soon achieve global recognition. The event commemorated legendary figures in Indian cinema through postage stamps, reflecting India's thriving creativity and collaborative spirit across various sectors, such as gaming and music.
Modi emphasized the importance of collective effort, echoing his previous statements about "Sabka Prayas," and expressed optimism for the future success of WAVES. The summit, which features numerous plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and masterclasses, is the first of its kind in India. Notable attendees included Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, actors Shahrukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and music composer AR Rahman. PM Modi will visit Maharashtra, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh on May 1-2, 2025, where he will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport and various development projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh.
