Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani on Friday underscored India’s deep cultural heritage and rising global influence, calling it a “timeless civilisation” powered by its youthful population and rich traditions.
Speaking on the second day of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Ambani delivered a keynote on “Taking Indian Culture to the World”. The summit has drawn over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries.
“We are a country enriched by the wisdom of our civilisation and energised by the throbbing energy of the world’s youngest population. Our sacred traditions meet modern dynamism in perfect harmony”, she said.
Ambani traced India’s contributions across centuries—from the origins of the word ‘OM’ to breakthroughs in mathematics, science, and spiritual philosophy.
“India is the birthplace of zero, the home of Sanskrit, the land of Yoga and Ayurveda, and a pioneer in science and philosophy,” Ambani said.
“We are the very cradle of civilisation”, she added.
Calling India a “luminous nation,” Ambani emphasized the country’s contributions to global ideals of peace, non-violence, and unity. She credited Indian texts like the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the teachings of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi for shaping humanity’s ethical compass.
Ambani also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening India’s global presence.
“Somewhere along the way, our voice softened. But now it is rising again. For that, we owe deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership has reignited India’s voice on the world stage with pride and purpose”, Ambani said.
Citing examples of Indian talent making cultural inroads worldwide, Ambani lauded Anoushka Shankar, Rishabh Sharma, Vikas Khanna, and Priyanka Chopra for carrying forward the essence of India in music, cuisine, and cinema.
“Despite living away from India, these icons hold India close to their hearts and are spreading the message of Indianness around the world,” she said.
WAVES 2025, inaugurated by PM Modi on Thursday, is hosting 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 masterclasses across sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, AVGC-XR, cinema, and digital media.