PM’s address at the 1st ever ‘National Creators Awards’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 08 Mar, 2024

Is there anything more left to be heard? How is everyone doing? Shall we check the vibe? Present in this event – my colleague from the Council of Ministers, Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, jury members Prasoon Joshi and Rupali Ganguly, and all the content creators joining us from every corner of the country, as well as my young friends watching this event from all over and all other dignitaries! A warm welcome and congratulations to you all! You have earned your place here, and that’s why you are at Bharat Mandapam today. The symbol outside also represents creativity, the very place where the leaders of the G-20 once convened to discuss the path forward that must be created for the world. And today, you are gathered here to discuss the future of Bharat. Friends, As times change and a new era dawns, it is the duty of the nation to keep pace with it. Today, the country is fulfilling this responsibility here at Bharat Mandapam. The first National Creators Award signifies our recognition of the emerging trends and talents ahead of their time. Some often ask me – what is the secret of your success? Not everyone gets an answer to that question. Does a restaurant owner reveal his kitchen secrets to everyone? But let me share this with you: with divine blessings, I can foresee the future. And thus, this first-of-its-kind award is poised to hold a significant position in the days to come. It’s an opportunity to honour the youth who are driving this new era, celebrating creativity, and acknowledging the impact creators have on society. This award will serve as a great source of motivation for content creators, providing them with well-deserved recognition. Today, I congratulate not only the winners of the National Creators Award but also those who participated wholeheartedly. We had very little time. So, we were not able to popularize this event much. Despite the limited time and promotion, we managed to engage around 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh creative minds, shaping an identity for our nation. And friends, Today marks another sacred coincidence. This first National Creators Award is being held on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. In my Kashi, nothing functions without the blessings of Lord Shiva. Mahadev, Lord Shiva, is revered as the patron of language, art, and creativity. Our Shiva is Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The Maheshwar Sutras emanated from Shiva’s Damru, and Shiva’s Tandava dance lays the groundwork for rhythm and creation. Therefore, new avenues will be open to the creators here. This event itself is a delightful coincidence on the day of Mahashivratri. And I wish you and all the countrymen a very happy Mahashivratri. Friends, Today also marks International Women’s Day. However, I observe that, for the first time, men are applauding; otherwise, they often feel that there is no day dedicated to men. Many daughters have also received the awards among the winners today. I extend my congratulations to them as well, and I see the daughters of our nation making their mark in various fields. It fills me with immense pride to see all of you. I congratulate all the women, sisters, and daughters of the country on International Women’s Day. And just today, as you all are gathered here, I have announced a reduction of Rs 100 for the gas cylinders. Friends, You can see how a single policy decision or campaign can have a multiplier effect on a nation’s journey. From the data revolution over the past decade to the availability of affordable mobile phones, the Digital India campaign has, in a way, ushered in a new era for content creators. Perhaps for the first time, the power of youth in any sector has inspired and compelled the government to take some action. Therefore, you deserve deep appreciation and applause. If anyone deserves credit for today’s award ceremony, it is the young minds and every digital content creator in Bharat. Friends, Every content creator in Bharat symbolizes one more thing. If our youth are guided in the right direction, what heights can they reach? Many of you haven’t undergone any formal training in Content Creation. Isn’t it? What would you be doing now if not content creation? While choosing a career while studying, most of you never envisioned becoming content creators. Yet, you foresaw the future, envisioned the possibilities, and many of you began working like one-man armies. Just look at Shraddha, she sits down with her mobile device herself. In your projects, you’re the writer, director, producer, and editor – you do it all. This means that an abundance of talent is consolidated in one place, and when it emerges, we can only imagine its potential. You conceive ideas, innovate, and bring them to life on screen. Not only have you showcased your own potential to the world, but you have also exposed the world to different ideas. It’s because of the courage you’ve displayed that you have all reached this point today. The nation is looking at you with great anticipation. Your content is making a significant impact across Bharat. You’re essentially the MVPs of the internet, aren’t you? Utilize your intellect, showcase your creativity. When I refer to you as MVPs, it signifies that you have become the Most Valuable Persons. Friends, You’re all aware that when content and creativity merge, engagement flourishes. When content merges with digital, transformation takes place. When content merges with purpose, it demonstrates impact. And today, as you have all gathered here, I must also request collaboration from you on various topics. Friends Once upon a time, even the smallest shops used to proudly display signs claiming “tasty food available here,” right? If anyone asked why one should eat there, the response would be, “the food is tasty.” But today, we observe a shift where shopkeepers advertize that “healthy food is available here.” The emphasis is no longer on taste but on health. Why this change? It reflects a societal shift. Therefore, content should aim to instil a sense of duty among people, inspiring them towards their responsibilities to the country. This needn’t be a direct message of your content; rather, keeping this in mind during content creation will naturally imbue it with such values. Recall how I addressed the issue of disrespect towards daughters from the ramparts of the Red Fort. I questioned why parents inquire about their daughter’s whereabouts when she returns home late but seldom do the same for their sons. Content creators should consider how to further this dialogue, fostering an environment of equal responsibility. If a daughter arrives home late, it’s seen as a calamity, but if a son does, it’s merely shrugged off. The point is, friends, we must engage with society, and you, my friends, are well-equipped to disseminate this sentiment to every household. Today, on Women’s Day, you can reaffirm this commitment. The immense potential of women’s power in our country can also be a significant part of your content. I can confidently assert that any one of you with a creative mind understands the myriad tasks a mother undertakes from dawn till dusk. Record a snippet of this and edit it; the children in that household who watch will be astonished at how much a mother accomplishes at one go. She multitasks seamlessly. You possess a strength that you can use to showcase this aspect. Similarly, consider the rural lifestyle where women are extensively involved in economic activities. It is a misconception held by some Westerners that there are no working women in Bharat. But, my friend, it’s quite the opposite. The household and the economy function because of the presence of women in Bharat. Our mothers and sisters engage in significant economic activities in villages. Venture into the tribal areas or mountainous regions, and you’ll discover that the majority of economic activities are undertaken by our mothers and sisters. Therefore, through our creativity, we can readily dispel these misconceptions by presenting factual information. I firmly believe we should undertake this task. Simply showcasing a day in the life will reveal the tireless efforts of women, whether they are cattle rearers, farmers, or labourers. Friends, You are all familiar with the success of Swachh Bharat, and you have contributed to it as well. However, this is an ongoing people’s movement. Whenever something positive regarding cleanliness arises, like a recent reel showing a tiger about to drink water but noticing a plastic bottle in it, the tiger picks up the bottle with its mouth and carries it away to dispose of it elsewhere. This is one of the ways by which Modi’s message gets communicated to several people, do you understand? Now, you can also reach people through such means. Therefore, you should continue to engage with this topic consistently. I also want to discuss an important issue with you, my friends. These small gestures touch my heart, and I believe that with people of creative minds, I can speak openly. I am not delivering a formal speech. Mental health is a delicate subject. While much of the content on digital platforms is humorous, there are many other serious topics as well. I have noticed that concerning mental health (congratulations to you, congratulations to you, congratulations to you, congratulations to you), I’m not suggesting that we don’t address it. I never said that; I couldn’t make such a mistake. I have confidence in the talent of my country, and I believe that my fellow citizens are equally compassionate. However, I can say that those who consider this aspect or topic are more creative. Many creators are doing commendable work concerning mental health, but there is still more to be done, especially in local languages. Consider a child in a rural family and its struggles. What can we do for them? People in any major city worldwide would have assistance or awareness about it because it is a significant aspect of their lives. Another critical issue is the stress faced by children, which often goes unnoticed. In the past, we had joint families where children received care from various family members like grandparents, aunts. and so on. Now, in nuclear families, with both parents busy, children left to nannies often suffer from stress alone, especially during exam times. They have no idea about stress or mental health. Anxiety about exam results can lead to panic attacks, and they would call up their friends. And sometimes, children may contemplate extreme measures like suicide. I recall watching a short film about 12-15 years ago when video wasn’t a very popular medium. But I am a keen learner. So, that film emphasized that before taking any wrong step, it is easier to live a better life. The movie portrayed a child who was facing an upcoming exam. Feeling overwhelmed, he contemplates suicide as he doubts his ability to cope. The specifics elude my memory, as it’s been around 15 years or probably 20 years since I watched it. In the narrative, he considers hanging himself and proceeds to purchase a rope. When asked about the length of the rope he needs, he is puzzled by the term “feet,” prompting him to go back and learn about it. As he goes back to the shop asking for a hook, the shopkeeper asks him whether he wants an iron hook or of a different material. The child again goes back to learn about this concept. Eventually, he realizes that studying is a more viable option than resorting to death. It was a powerful message conveyed in just 7-8 minutes. As I watched this film, I realized how some students become suicidal. The message in this film might be simple, but it shows a new path to one’s life. You may be aware that I regularly engage in discussions about exams in ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’. Some may mock a Prime Minister discussing exams with children. I know that I can’t improve children’s lives merely by issuing government circulars; but I must connect with them, understand their struggles, and offer genuine support. This connection is particularly vital during exam times, which is why I conduct these programmes annually. I believe that by openly addressing their concerns, I may provide valuable insights that could make a difference in someone’s life. My goal is to reach these children, touch their hearts, support them, and also engage with their parents and teachers. Friends, I struggle to find time to create all these reels, so I engage in these activities instead. However, you can also do the same. Can we produce more content that raises awareness among youth about the detrimental effects of drugs? We can creatively convey the message that ‘drugs are not cool for youth’. Instead what is cool? Sitting in the hostel? Yes, cool! Friends, You all play a significant role in this because you can connect with them and communicate in their language. Friends, The Lok Sabha elections are approaching in the next few days. Please don’t perceive today’s event in that context. It is my guarantee to you that most probably during the next Shivratri, I will personally organize such a programme here again, the date for the event could be different. However, I haven’t brought up the topic of Lok Sabha elections in that sense because I am confident that you are more dedicated to me than I am to myself. You are dedicated to me because I am committed to you, and many are dedicated to those who do not prioritize themselves. This is not just Modi’s Guarantee but the Guarantee of 140 crore countrymen. Indeed, this is my family. Friends, I mentioned the Lok Sabha elections, and individuals in the creative industry can contribute significantly. Is there anything we can do to raise awareness among our youth, especially first-time voters? They need to understand that voting is not about winning or losing; it’s about participating in the decision-making process of our vast nation. They are crucial stakeholders in shaping the country’s future, and it’s essential to reach out to them. Never dictate whom to vote for, but emphasize the importance of voting. Let them decide whom to support, but they must understand the significance of voting. In different parts of the world, as prosperity increased, voting pattern decreased. Various nations prospered under different systems, leading to prosperity and eventually democracy. Bharat is striving to become a developed nation while upholding 100% democracy, setting an example for the world. This will serve as a significant model globally. However, I urge the youth of our country to participate actively, especially those aged 18 to 21. Friends, We observe that ‘Divyangjan’ or specially-abled individuals possess immense talent. You can serve as a significant platform for them and provide support. It’s crucial to highlight the inherent strengths of our specially-abled citizens and leverage the power of social media to amplify their voices. Friends, Another topic to consider is enhancing Bharat’s influence beyond its borders. Those of you who are familiar with the current global landscape can attest to the pride associated with the Indian tricolor and passport. You may have seen that as the students were trying to leave Ukraine, they would display the Indian flag, and it would work for them.This power didn’t manifest out of thin air, my friends; it was the result of dedicated efforts carried out in mission mode. While the world’s dynamics have evolved, there are still perceptions about us that we can work to change. I recall an incident during a visit to a foreign country where an interpreter, who happened to be a computer engineer working for that government, was helping me out. He was with me for three-four days and we became acquainted. So, finally he posed a question to me. He hesitated at first, but then asked if practices like snake charming, black magic and sorcery still existed in our country. I explained to him that such practices have been prevalent in the past as our ancestors were strong and powerful. So, handling snakes was not a big deal. However, these days the strength has reduced. So we have moved to mouses (computer mouse). Now we move worlds with a single mouse! Friends, Today, leveraging our nation’s capabilities to attract individuals from abroad should be a priority. By crafting our content in a strategic manner, we can entice individuals to engage with our country. You, my friends, are the digital ambassadors of Bharat worldwide, possessing the ability to reach audiences across the globe in mere seconds. And I believe this is a great strength.You serve as the brand ambassadors of the “Vocal for Local” initiative, exemplifying how individuals like the young beekeeper I met in Srinagar have taken their brand global solely through digital platforms. And that’s why, my friends, Let’s come together and initiate a ‘Create on India Movement’. I place great responsibility on all of you. Let’s kickstart the ‘Create on India Movement’. We should share narratives about Bharat, its culture, heritage, and traditions with the global community. Let’s narrate our stories about Bharat to everyone. Let’s ‘Create on India, Create for the World’. Your content should garner maximum likes not only for yourselves but also for our country, Bharat. To achieve this, we must engage with the global audience. We need to establish connections with universities worldwide and with the youth globally. Nowadays, people worldwide are eager to learn about Bharat. Many of you are proficient in foreign languages, and for those who are not, we can utilize AI assistance or even consider learning. By creating content in various UN languages such as German, French, and Spanish, we can broaden our reach and that of Bharat. Moreover, if we produce content in the languages of our neighbouring countries, it will give us a distinctive identity. Recently, we made a significant decision. I had a discussion with Bill Gates a few days ago, focusing on topics like AI. You’ll learn about it soon. We’ve decided to take the AI mission forward. The world is observing Bharat’s AI advancements. Bharat will lead in this domain, and I say this with confidence in your capabilities. You have witnessed how we have progressed in semiconductors. Despite lagging in 2G and 4G, we’ve taken the lead in 5G. Similarly, we will swiftly carve our niche in the semiconductor industry, friends. It’s not because of Modi but because of the talent and potential of our youth. Modi merely provides opportunities and removes obstacles from the path so that our youth can progress swiftly. Hence, I believe it’s crucial to share as much as possible with our neighbouring countries in their languages, in line with their perspectives and understanding. This will strengthen our relations. We need to expand our horizons and make our impact felt, my friends. The creative world holds immense potential in this regard. You are aware of the power of AI. Within minutes, my messages will be available in 8-10 Indian languages, thanks to AI. If you get clicked with me here, you can retrieve it through AI on the Namo app’s photo booth. Even if you might have met me 5 years ago in an event and probably only a small part of you was captured in a photo, AI will recognize you. This showcases the power of both AI and our country’s youth. Hence, I emphasize, Bharat possesses this capability, and we aim to expand this potential. Through our creativity, we can elevate Bharat’s image both nationally and internationally. A food creator can guide someone to Mumbai’s famous Vada Pav shop. A fashion designer can showcase the prowess of Indian artisans to the world. A tech creator can demonstrate Bharat’s innovation through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Even a travel blogger from a remote village can inspire someone abroad to visit Bharat through their videos. Bharat hosts a myriad of festivals, each with its unique story that the world is eager to explore. You can significantly aid those curious about Bharat and its every nook and cranny. Friends, In all these endeavours, I firmly believe that one should never compromise the reality and the subject matter. Your style, presentation, product, and facts should be intact. You see, each of you brings a unique flair to your work. Consider the multitude of artifacts discovered by archaeologists. However, when someone adept in visualogy crafts preserves them, we are transported to that era. When I gaze upon something 300 years old, I feel as though I am experiencing that period firsthand. This exemplifies the transformative power of creativity, my friends. I aspire for creativity within my country to serve as a significant catalyst in shaping our nation’s destiny. It is with this intention that I convened with you all today, appreciating your prompt arrival and contributions. I also extend my congratulations to the jury, as meticulously assessing the submissions of 1.5 – 1.75 lakh participants is no easy feat. In the future, we aim to enhance our processes, ensuring a more refined and scientific approach. Once again, I extend my best wishes to all. Thank you very much.