Month: May 2025

Source: Government of India

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah reviews the progress of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Indian Seed Cooperative Society Limited (BBSSL)

Formed in 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, these institutions are working as umbrella organizations with a “Whole of Government” approach

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation directs NCEL to explore new opportunities for export of sugar, aromatic rice of Tripura, organic cotton, and coarse grains from cooperative sugar mills

Shri Amit Shah suggests partnership with big companies for export of fresh vegetables to Gulf countries and special potato varieties

NCEL should work on the ambitious target of exporting three specific products worth ₹ 2 lakh crore which have never been exported before

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says NCOL should work with the target of turnover of more than ₹ 300 crore in the financial year 2025-26

BBSSL plays a vital role in strengthening India’s seed ecosystem – Shri Amit Shah

Home Minister also stressed upon the need to work on sugarcane varieties with high sugar content and low water requirement

BBSSL Centre set up at Kalol, Gujarat will develop high yielding, short maturity and low water requirement varieties of crops like pigeon pea, black gram, maize

Setting up of tissue culture facility is imperative to ensure availability of plants of high genetic potential for top 10 banana producing states

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 9:53PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to review the progress of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL). The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, senior officials of the Ministry, and Shri Anupam Kaushik, Shri Vipul Mittal and Shri Chetan Joshi (Managing Directors of NCEL, NCOL and BBSSL respectively).

Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, these three national cooperative institutions were created by the Ministry of Cooperation with the approval of the Union Cabinet in 2023, with the aim to act as umbrella organizations for cooperative exports, organic production and promotion of quality seeds. He said that these are being operated under the ‘Whole of the Government’ approach in collaboration with the concerned Ministries/Departments/Agencies.

To realize the vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation” of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, many initiatives and historic schemes have been started under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, which is promoting the cooperative sector at a fast pace.

NCEL (National Cooperative Exports Limited):

Shri Amit Shah directed NCEL to explore new opportunities for export of sugar from cooperative sugar mills, aromatic rice of Tripura, organic cotton, and coarse grains. Shri Amit Shah also suggested possibilities of partnership with big companies for export of fresh vegetables to Gulf countries and special potato varieties.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation set an ambitious target of ₹2 lakh crore exports by NCEL of three new and specific products which are not currently being exported from India. Along with this, Shri Shah directed to route all exports of cooperative institutions through NCEL so that about ₹20,000-30,000 crore turnover and net profit after taxes and operating costs can go back to the cooperatives.

Shri Amit Shah also suggested setting up of NCEL offices in Africa and Myanmar for pulses import and developing a dedicated website to enable cooperative members to understand the global demand and share their supply capacity.

NCEL was set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act and has made remarkable progress in its first year. In FY 2024-25, it gave membership to more than 10,000 cooperative institutions and achieved a turnover of ₹4,283 crore, with a net profit of ₹122 crore.

NCEL has expanded its exports to 28 countries, with key products being: basmati and non-basmati rice, marine products (especially shrimp), coarse cereals, wheat, fruits and vegetables, animal products, spices and plantation products. It has also signed strategic agreements (MoUs) with 61 importers from Senegal, Indonesia and Nepal.

NCOL (National Cooperative Organics Limited):

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the organic products procured by NCOL are also being supplied to big brands like Amul, Bigbasket, thereby providing more volume and cost advantage to the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand. Shri Amit Shah said that soon its products will be available in Reliance stores across India.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, 22 products under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand are currently available in Delhi-NCR and there are plans to launch it in major metros. The products include cereals, pulses, spices and sweets products.

Shri Amit Shah appreciated the efforts of NCOL and set a target of turnover of more than ₹300 crore in the financial year 2025-26. He has also directed to form groups of certified organic farmers at the state level and integrate them at a higher level.

In the zero year of commercial operation in the financial year 2025-26 itself, NCOL has given membership to more than 7000 cooperatives in various categories and transacted a quantity of more than 1200 metric tonnes, which was procured from more than 2000 farmers. Its turnover so far has been ₹ 10.26 crores.

The uniqueness of the brand lies in its ‘Authenticity & Sustainability’ approach, every product batch is being tested for pesticide residues as per ‘Organic India’ standards and the report is being shared with the consumers in the form of a QR code and this customer oriented initiative is being implemented for the first time in the industry.

BBSSL (Indian Seeds Co-operative Society Limited):

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah underlined the important role of BBSSL in strengthening the seed ecosystem of India and said that it is imperative to establish tissue culture facility to ensure availability of plants of high genetic potential for top 10 banana producing states. He said that the recently established state-of-the-art BBSSL Centre at Kalol in Gujarat will work towards development of high yielding, low maturity and low water requirement varieties of crops like tur, urad, maize. He also emphasized the need to work on sugarcane variety with high sugar content and low water requirement. Shri Amit Shah has urged BBSSL to develop seeds of Lachka fodder crops for sale through NDDB and Amul network. Shri Amit Shah also emphasized on promoting seed production for processing varieties like potato especially for French fries under the Seed Production Programme for Processing Varieties. To ensure timely availability of breeder seeds, the Union Minister of Cooperation directed the Ministry of Cooperation to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure timely supply of required breeder seeds.

The Minister appreciated the efforts of BBSSL and reiterated the Government’s commitment to empower agricultural cooperatives through innovation, quality inputs and institutional support.

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RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2126629) Visitor Counter : 77

Source: Government of India

Over One Lakh Devotees Pay Homage to Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Vietnam

Three-Kilometer Devotee Queue Highlights Spiritual Fervor for India’s Sacred Relics in Vietnam

UN Vesak 2025 Celebrations Witness Unprecedented Turnout as India’s Buddhist Heritage Touches Hearts in Vietnam

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

More than one lakh devotees have paid their reverent homage to the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, currently enshrined at Thanh Tam Pagoda, located within the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. The Holy Relics were brought from India by an official delegation led by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, joined by senior monks and officials.

Since early morning, the stupa housing the relics—recognized as a National Treasure of India—has seen continuous inflow of devotees. A line stretching nearly three kilometers formed on Saturday, underscoring the profound spiritual resonance and devotion among the Vietnamese people.

The Sacred Relics, including a portion of the skull bone of Lord Buddha (Shakyamuni), were excavated in 1898 by British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe in Kapilavastu, near the India-Nepal border. These relics are enshrined in a gold-plated stupa crafted by Thai artisans in 1997, featuring 109 grams of gold at its pinnacle—a testimony of the global reverence for Buddha.

Transported aboard an Indian Airforce aircraft, the relics arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on May 2, 2025, and were ceremonially escorted to Thanh Tam Pagoda. The public exposition of these relics is being conducted under stringent security arrangements, reflecting their sacred and diplomatic importance—equivalent to a state leader’s visit.

The Holy Relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21, 2025, as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations. They will travel to key Buddhist sites including Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area (Tay Ninh), Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi), and Tam Chuc Pagoda (Ha Nam), fostering stronger spiritual and cultural ties between India and Vietnam.

The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, themed “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” will be observed from May 6–8. The global event is expected to host over 1,200 delegates from 85 countries and territories, including heads of state, religious leaders, and scholars.

India’s participation and the hosting of these sacred relics represent the profound civilizational bond and shared Buddhist heritage between the two nations.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

 

 

 

(Release ID: 2126627) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Govt committed to creating a creator-first ecosystem in India, says MoS Dr L Murugan

Motion Picture Association Launches Landmark Report on India’s Entertainment Economy at WAVES 2025

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 8:55PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

On the third day of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) unveiled a comprehensive report highlighting the transformative impact of India’s film, television and streaming sectors on the national economy. Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA, were present at the launch.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Murugan commended the MPA’s global leadership and acknowledged the growing influence of Indian cinema on international audiences. “Films like RRR and Baahubali have proven that Indian stories resonate across languages and geographies,” Dr. Murugan said.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a creator-first ecosystem backed by policies, production incentives and strong intellectual property protections. Citing recent anti-piracy reforms, he stressed the importance of safeguarding creators’ rights in the digital age.

“Cinema is not just an economic engine. It is a vital diplomatic and cultural bridge. India looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Motion Picture Association to co-create a globally respected and secure creative industry,” he added.

Charles Rivkin expressed his enthusiasm about MPA’s ongoing partnership with India during what he called a “pivotal moment” for the country’s entertainment industry. “India’s creative economy is poised for extraordinary growth, and the MPA is proud to support this journey,” Rivkin said.

Sharing the key findings after unveiling the report, Rivkin said that the Indian film, TV, and streaming industries supported 2.6 million jobs and generated more than $60 billion as per the annual economic output. He said that the MPA’s member studios are deeply committed to fostering the growth of India’s entertainment sector through investments, partnerships, and advocacy for forward-looking policies.

Rivkin underscored the alignment between the MPA’s objectives and Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for creative economy, highlighting India’s strengths in storytelling, visual effects and global content export.

The session concluded with a video presentation of the MPA report’s key highlights, signaling a shared vision between policymakers and global media leaders for a future driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.

 

For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

On X : 

https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

https://x.com/MIB_India

https://x.com/PIB_India

https://x.com/PIBmumbai

On Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rabee/ Riyas/ Darshana | 169

(Release ID: 2126614) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

WAVES Bazaar: A Groundbreaking Debut in Global Creative Collaboration

From India to the World: WAVES Bazaar Sparks Major Global Entertainment Alliances, records business transactions exceeding ₹800 crore

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 8:48PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

The inaugural edition of WAVES Bazaar, held from May 1st to 3rd, 2025, in Mumbai, concluded with resounding success, establishing itself as a premier platform for international business collaboration in the creative industries. Organised under the umbrella of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), the marketplace recorded business transactions exceeding ₹800 crore across the Film, Music, Radio, VFX, and Animation sectors. With deal-making still underway, the total valuation is projected to surpass ₹1000 crore in a few days.

 

Key Highlights

A key highlight of the Bazaar was the Buyer-Seller Market which witnessed over 3,000 B2B meetings, generating revenue upwards of ₹500 crore, with additional deals expected to close in the coming days. Curated screenings of films at the 80-seat venue drew enthusiastic responses and appreciation for the selected films. The Bazaar also helped emerging creators pitch their IPs to a global network of buyers and collaborators, generating significant interest and fostering new partnerships.

In a major achievement in international collaborations between India and New Zealand, Film India Screen Collective and Screen Canterbury NZ, led by Petrina D’Rozario, announced a collaborative proposal, inspired by WAVES, to launch the first-ever Indian Film Festival in New Zealand, aimed at deepening tourism, cultural exchange and co-production ties between the two countries.

Paving the wave for an India-Russia collaboration, Only Much Louder (OML) CEO Tushar Kumar and Gazprom Media CEO Alexander Zharov have begun early talks on a potential Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on cross-cultural festivals and co-produce comedy and music shows in Russia and India.

 

Major Deal Announcements

The announcement of the Prime Video & CJ ENM Multi-Year Collaboration was a key highlight of the Bazaar as the strategic partnership was unveiled to distribute premium Korean content globally. With its launch expected in June 2025 with Head Over Heels, the deal includes streaming in over 240 countries, featuring 28 subtitle languages and 11 dubbed versions. The initiative highlights Asia’s growing creative presence on global streaming platforms.

Another initiative that added value to the Bazaar was the announcement of the film Devi Chowdhurani, which became the India’s first official Indo-UK co-production. Backed by the Ministry of I&B, NFDC, FFO, and Invest India, the a pre-teaser of the film was unveiled at the Bazaar. The historical epic, set during the Sanyasi-Fakir rebellion, stars Prosenjit Chatterjee and Srabanti Chatterjee, with music by Pandit Bickram Ghosh.

The announcement of the launch of the feature film Violated was another initiative that vindicated the purpose of WAVES Bazaar. A bold psychological thriller, Violated marks the directorial debut of Dimple Dugar. Celebrated for its strong female-led narrative, the film is co-produced by Fusion Flicks from the UK and JVD Films, signalling Dugar’s transition from commercial to feature filmmaking.

With its impactful debut, WAVES Bazaar has not only positioned itself as a global hub for creative collaboration but also set the stage for a new era of cross-border storytelling and industry transformation.

 

For official updates on realtime, please follow us: 

On X : 

https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia

https://x.com/MIB_India

https://x.com/PIB_India

https://x.com/PIBmumbai

On Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/wavesummitindia

https://www.instagram.com/mib_india

https://www.instagram.com/pibindia

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rabee/ Riyas/ Darshana | 168

(Release ID: 2126611) Visitor Counter : 49

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Chief Minister Ms Rekha Gupta attends 31st Foundation Day of   Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)  today in New Delhi

Adding cargo compartments to metro trains will enhance business efficiency for the urban working class : Shri Manohar Lal

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 8:01PM by PIB Delhi

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) observed its 31st Foundation Day today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The occasion was attended by Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power, as the Chief Guest. Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister, GNCTD, was present as the Guest of Honour.

Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal ji, joins Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt Rekha Gupta ji on the occasion of the 31st Foundation Day of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

In his address, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted the significant role that Delhi Metro plays in the daily life of the common citizen in Delhi. He emphasized that easy, reliable, and safe mobility is the fundamental right of every citizen, and that urban transport systems like the Delhi Metro have become an indispensable part of urban living.

Looking ahead, the Hon’ble Minister underlined that by 2047, nearly 50% of India’s population will reside in urban areas, making it imperative to plan and strengthen urban mobility infrastructure today. He shared a visionary idea of adding cargo compartments to metro trains, enabling small businessmen, vendors, and hawkers to seamlessly transport their goods across the city — a step that would save time, reduce energy consumption, and enhance business efficiency for the urban working class.

Furthermore, Shri Manohar Lal ji emphasized the need to integrate green and renewable energy solutions in metro operations, aligning with the nation’s sustainable development goals. He reiterated that metro systems will be the lifeline of every city in India, and their continued expansion and modernization is key to building smart, inclusive, and future-ready urban centers.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Shri Katikithala Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Chairman, DMRC; Shri Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, GNCTD; and Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC.

During the programme, DMRC’s Annual Awards were presented to individuals and teams for their exemplary contributions to the organization.

The recognitions included:

•           *Metro Woman of the Year*: Ms. Preeti, Senior Station Controller/Train Operator

*Metro Man of the Year*: Shri Suresh Pawar, Senior Station Manager/Line Supervisor

•           *Best Metro Station*: Karol Bagh Metro Station

•           *Best Metro Depot*: Kalindi Kunj Depot

•           *Rajbhasha Puruskar*:Ms. Anjali, Senior Customer Relations Assistant

 

A special award was also presented to the Metro Adventure Club (MAC) team for its year long activities promoting team spirit and bonding  among DMRC employees.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta also congratulated Delhi Metro on the occasion. “The place that Delhi Metro has made in the hearts of the people, it is indeed nothing less than the lifeline.

There is a ‘feel good factor’ when a passenger enters the Delhi Metro. They keep it clean, and they follow the rules as well. There has been a behavioural change,” she said during her address.

The event was a time to reflect at how far Delhi Metro has come and to appreciate the hard work of everyone who has been part of this journey. It was also a reminder of DMRC’s continued focus on providing safe, dependable, and eco-friendly travel to the people of Delhi and the surrounding areas.

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SK

(Release ID: 2126593) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police reclassified an assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH) case in Mong Kok yesterday (May 2) as murder.

     At 6.33am yesterday, Police received a report from a staff member of a hotel on Prince Edward Road West that a woman collapsed in a room.

     Police officers sped to the scene and found the 46-year-old woman lying on a chair. Sustaining injuries to her face, she was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 5.23pm on the same day.

     Initial investigation revealed that the deceased was allegedly assaulted by a man with a hard object. The assailant then fled away.

     Police arrested the 42-year-old man in Mong Kok for AOABH yesterday. He is being detained for enquiries.

     Upon further investigation, Police reclassified the case as murder. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death.

     Active investigation by the District Crime Squad of Mong Kok District is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 8741.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES THE LAUNCH OF THE MEDIATION ASSOCIATION OF INDIA AND ADDRESSES THE FIRST NATIONAL MEDIATION CONFERENCE

THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM UNDER THE MEDIATION ACT SHOULD BE EFFECTIVELY EXTENDED TO RURAL AREAS SO THAT THE PANCHAYATS ARE LEGALLY EMPOWERED TO MEDIATE AND RESOLVE THE CONFLICTS IN VILLAGES: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the launch of the Mediation Association of India and addressed the First National Mediation Conference 2025 in New Delhi today (May 3, 2025). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Mediation Act, 2023 was the first step in consolidating the civilisational legacy. Now we need to add momentum to it and strengthen its practice. She emphasised that the dispute resolution mechanism under the Mediation Act should be effectively extended to rural areas so that the Panchayats are legally empowered to mediate and resolve the conflicts in villages. Social harmony in villages is an essential prerequisite of making the nation strong, she said. 

The President said that mediation is an essential part of the delivery of justice, which is at the heart of the Constitution of India – our founding text. Mediation can speed up the delivery of justice not only in the specific case under consideration, but also in other cases, by reducing the burden on courts of a large number of litigations. It can make the overall judicial system much more efficient. It can thus open up the developmental pathways that might have been blocked up. It can enhance both the ease of doing business and the ease of living. Mediation, when we see it this way, becomes a key instrument to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. 

The President said that India has a long and rich tradition of judicial mechanisms in which out-of-court settlements were more of a norm than exception. The institution of Panchayat is legendary for fostering amicable resolutions. The Panchayat’s endeavour was not only to resolve the dispute but also to remove any bitterness among the parties about it. It was a pillar of social harmony for us. Unfortunately, the colonial rulers ignored this exemplary legacy when they imposed an alien legal system on us. While the new system did have a provision for mediation and out-of-court resolution, and the old tradition of alternative mechanisms did continue, there was no institutional framework for it. The Mediation Act, 2023 plugs that loophole and has a number of provisions that will form the foundation of a vibrant and effective mediation ecosystem in India. 

The President said that the First National Mediation Conference is not a mere ceremonial event; it is a call to action. It calls upon us to collectively shape the future of mediation in India — by nurturing trust, building professional capabilities, and making mediation accessible to every citizen, across all sections of society. The establishment of the Mediation Association of India is a significant step forward in carrying this legacy into the future. It institutionalizes and promotes mediation as a preferred, structured, and widely accessible mode of dispute resolution — an approach that is timely and much needed in today’s dynamic and complex world. 

The President said that we should see effective dispute and conflict resolution as not merely a legal necessity but a societal imperative. Mediation fosters dialogue, understanding and collaboration. These values are essential for building a harmonious and progressive nation. It will lead to the emergence of a conflict-resilient, inclusive and harmonious society. 

Click here to see the President’s address.

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2126534) Visitor Counter : 14

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to Mr. Anthony Albanese on his election as the Prime Minister of Australia.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2025

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MJPS/SR/SKS

(Release ID: 2126526) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Government of India

“Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics” – Insightful Discussions at WAVES 2025

Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage: Prakash Magdum

Restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources: Shehzad Sippy

Despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works: Kamal Gianchandani

Posted On: 03 MAY 2025 6:18PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 3 May 2025

 

Indian cinema took center stage at WAVES 2025 with an insightful panel discussion titled “Beyond Nostalgia: The Business of Restored Classics.” Curated under the expert moderation of renowned film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the session brought together industry stalwarts to deliberate on the significance, challenges, and future of restoring cinematic gems for contemporary audiences.

The conversation opened with Kamal Gianchandani, a key voice in the film exhibition and distribution space, who emphasized the urgent need to make classics accessible on digital platforms. “So many of our films disappear from public memory because they aren’t readily available. Audiences constantly tell us they want to revisit the classics,” he noted, adding that despite the deluge of new content, the industry must work to preserve its foundational works.

Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of iconic cinema, reflected on the evolution of filmmaking and the unique storytelling methods of earlier decades. “Filmmaking was a different art then, and audiences today are curious to experience that era. But restoration demands significant investment of money, time, and skilled resources,” he said.

Film producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani highlighted the unpredictable nature of audience preferences. “People’s time is precious—they want quality content. What resonates is often subjective, seasonal, or driven by mood. But regardless of the era, we always strive to give our best,” he stated.

Bringing a policy and heritage perspective, Prakash Magdum, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC, Ahmedabad, shed light on government’s efforts to preserve India’s cinematic legacy. “Indians are deeply nostalgic. While the older generation seeks to relive the magic of their youth, the younger generation is eager to experience the classics they’ve heard so much about. Film restoration is a meticulous process involving multiple stakeholders, but with cutting-edge technology, we’re able to stay true to the original vision,” he explained.

He further elaborated on the ambitious National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative led by the Government of India aimed at preserving, digitizing, and restoring cinematic treasures. “Classic films are more than entertainment—they are a reflection of our collective cultural identity and heritage. The challenge is enormous, especially with factors like temperature and humidity affecting film reels, and the growing complexities of digital data preservation. Yet, this responsibility must be met with urgency and dedication”, flagged Shri Magdum.

The panel served as a powerful reminder that restored classics are not merely relics of the past, but vibrant carriers of culture, emotion, and legacy. As the business of restoration gains momentum, it is clear that the fusion of technology, passion, and policy will be key to ensuring that India’s cinematic heritage continues to inspire generations to come.

 

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lekshmipriya/ Swadhin/ Darshana | 167

(Release ID: 2126525) Visitor Counter : 12