Agencies
New Delhi, May 30: The recent establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai is a landmark initiative for institutionalising the country’s cultural and creative strengths, a top official of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said here on Friday. The IICT has been envisioned as the “creative counterpart” to the IITs and IIMs. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was speaking at the CII Summit here at a session -- “India’s Soft Power: Catalysing Global Ascendancy”. Jaju underscored India’s unique civilisational journey and diverse cultural expressions as the foundation of the country’s growing global soft power, according to a statement issued by the organisers. Drawing on classical references like “drishti”, “shruti” and “kriti” -- representing India’s visual, oral and written traditions -- the Union secretary emphasised how ancient legacies like the Natya Shastra and the Vedas, along with storytelling epics, music and mudras, continue to shape the country’s vibrant creative economy. He highlighted the establishment of the IICT as a landmark initiative for institutionalising India’s cultural and creative strengths, the statement said. Jaju emphasised that India is a “storytelling superpower”, with many untapped narratives waiting to be transformed into immersive global experiences. He reaffirmed the country’s “potential to become a creative superpower”, urging the industry to harness this opportunity through unity, innovation and a shared cultural vision. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in his address, highlighted that India’s rising stature on the global stage is a result of a renewed national pride and a transformed self-image. |