In a powerful global statement from the WAVES Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed India’s creative sector — termed the Orange Economy — at the heart of its future economic vision. With India’s rich cultural fabric and booming media landscape, the move signals a pivotal shift toward intellectual property-led economic growth.
What is the Orange Economy?
The Orange Economy refers to industries built around creativity, culture, and intellectual property (IP). This includes:
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Film & Television
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Design & Architecture
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Arts & Handicrafts
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Digital Content & Gaming
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Music & Performing Arts
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Publishing & Literature
Coined by Felipe Buitrago and Iván Duque, the Orange Economy is a powerful symbol of how cultural heritage and technology can drive GDP growth, job creation, and innovation.
WAVES Summit Highlights
At the WAVES Summit — an international platform for creativity and innovation — PM Narendra Modi passionately advocated for India’s position in the Orange Economy. He urged global brands and creators to “Create in India, Create for the World,” promoting not only Indian talent but also Indian values of inclusiveness and cultural richness.
Noteworthy moments included:
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Launch of the WAVES Awards to honour creativity
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Emphasis on IP rights and content creation as drivers of new-age growth
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India’s entertainment sector projected to reach $100 billion
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CEO of Adobe, Shantanu Narayen, called India “the next global hub for creativity”
India’s Creative Potential
India’s storytelling traditions, music, cinema, and arts have long held global fascination. But now, with the convergence of technology and policy support, this cultural capital is being monetised like never before.
🎥 Indian content, from Bollywood to OTT platforms, is increasingly consumed worldwide, breaking cultural and linguistic barriers.
🎮 Indian game developers and digital creators are tapping into billion-dollar markets.
📱 Social media and platforms like YouTube and Instagram Reels are democratising creativity for rural and urban youth alike.
This is no longer just soft power — it’s economic power.
🎨 Jharkhand’s Role in the Creative Landscape
Jharkhand, with its diverse tribal cultures and traditions, stands poised to be a significant contributor to India’s Orange Economy.
Cultural Festivals and Traditions
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Luguburu Ghantabari Fair: An annual Santhal tribal festival in Bokaro, celebrating cultural heritage through rituals, music, and dance.
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Folk Dances: Jharkhand boasts a variety of traditional dances like Jhumair, Domkach, Paika, and Chhau, each reflecting the state’s rich cultural tapestry.
Government Initiatives
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Tourism Influencer Engagement Guidelines 2025: Aimed at promoting Jharkhand’s destinations and traditions via influencer marketing.
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Dharohar Program: Celebrates Jharkhand’s musical, dance, and artistic traditions, advocating for artist welfare and cultural preservation. Read More…
Impact on Economy and Culture
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Job Creation: The Orange Economy has the potential to create millions of creative jobs, especially for youth and women.
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Export Boost: India’s digital and cultural exports can significantly improve the balance of payments.
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Inclusive Growth: From rural artisans to urban designers, the creative sector includes all demographics.
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Preservation of Heritage: Monetisation of culture can safeguard traditions by making them financially sustainable.
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Boost to IP Regime: A stronger push on copyright, trademark, and IP rights fosters innovation.
Key Points to Remember
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🟠 Orange Economy combines creative industries with IP-driven innovation.
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📢 PM Modi promotes the “Create in India, Create for the World” vision.
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🌍 Indian entertainment & digital content gaining global popularity.
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🎨 Adobe CEO highlights creativity as India’s next economic boom.
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💰 India’s entertainment sector is forecast to touch $100 billion.
Additional Resources
📖 UNESCO Report on Cultural and Creative Industries (DoFollow)
📈 FICCI-EY Report on Indian Media & Entertainment (DoFollow)
📚 Learn more about IP laws in India – DPIIT (DoFollow)
This strategic shift toward the Orange Economy isn’t just a policy initiative — it’s a vision for cultural resurgence and economic modernisation. With policy support, international recognition, and digital scalability, India is poised to become a creative powerhouse for the 21st century.
