MUMBAI / SHILLONG — Meghalaya emerged as a vibrant cultural force at the first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, captivating a global audience with its rich tapestry of storytelling, music, and digital innovation.
The state’s booth became a major attraction, offering an immersive experience into Meghalayan heritage through visual art, live performances, and indigenous narratives. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh credited the achievement to the state’s focused push on creative industries, saying, “We are committed to empowering our artists and sharing Meghalaya’s unique stories with the world.”
A major highlight was Khamborbatei Kharjana’s animated short The Lapalang: A Khasi Folklore Reimagined, which triumphed over 1,900 international entries to win the Create in India Challenge’s Animation Filmmaker Competition. “This is not just a win for me, but for Khasi storytelling,” said an emotional Kharjana.
Electronic music producer Mark Ryan Syiemlieh also brought pride to the state by securing a spot in the Top 10 of Resonate: The EDM Challenge, reflecting Meghalaya’s growing influence in contemporary music.
Two state-led creative initiatives also garnered attention:
• Hello Meghalaya, an OTT platform with over 3 lakh downloads, and
• Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), known for nurturing indie musicians and generating livelihood opportunities.
The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw India position itself as the epicentre of the global “Orange Economy.” With 140+ sessions, 3,000+ B2B meetings, and Rs 1,328 crore in deals, WAVES 2025 was not only a celebration of creativity but a launchpad for international collaboration.
As the curtains closed, Meghalaya stood out as a compelling voice — one that bridges the traditional and the modern, inviting the world to explore its cultural depth and digital vision.
Read More: Digboi Erupts: BJP Worker’s Head Shaved Amidst Viral Video Fallout