At the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, delivered a compelling speech that celebrated India’s profound cultural heritage and its dynamic role on the global stage. Ambani’s address, titled “Taking Indian Culture to the World,” resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing India’s unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary energy.
Nita Ambani eloquently described India as a “timeless civilization,” a nation that has, for centuries, enriched the world with its invaluable contributions. She highlighted the core values and ideals that have emanated from India, including truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), unity (Ekta), and peace (Aman). These principles, she asserted, continue to guide and inspire humanity.
Ambani emphasized that “Bharat is where it all began,” underscoring India’s role as the “cradle of civilization.” She drew attention to the origin of ‘OM,’ the sound believed to be the genesis of the universe, and the birth of ‘zero’ (Shunya), a concept that revolutionized mathematics. She also spoke of Sanskrit, the ancient language that forms the foundation of many languages worldwide.
Ambani’s speech illuminated India’s vast and diverse contributions across various fields. She spoke of India as the land of Yoga and Ayurveda, ancient practices that continue to promote well-being globally. She also highlighted India’s pioneering role in science and philosophy, citing the astronomical calculations of Aryabhata and the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya.
Furthermore, she celebrated India’s rich artistic and literary traditions, from its classical music and dance forms to its epic narratives, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. She emphasized how these cultural treasures continue to shape and influence artistic expression worldwide.
Nita Ambani acknowledged that while India’s influence has been significant throughout history, its voice had, at one point, “softened.” However, she expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose “unwavering vision and leadership have reignited India’s voice on the world stage with pride and purpose.”
She noted that “Today, India’s spirit is inspiring the world like never before,” and that young Indians are playing a crucial role in this resurgence. She cited examples of “young global icons” such as Anoushka Shankar and Rishabh Sharma in music, Vikas Khanna in cuisine, and Priyanka Chopra in cinema, who are “holding the spirit of India dear to their hearts and spreading the message of Indianness around the world.”
Nita Ambani also spoke about the efforts to promote Indian culture on a global scale. She mentioned the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, which recently presented a “grand Indian weekend” at the Lincoln Centre in New York. She also highlighted the Indian saree, describing it as “one of the fondest expressions of our tradition,” and noted how it is being showcased on international fashion runways, worn by figures like Mother Teresa, Dr. Tessy Thomas, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Ambani concluded by emphasizing that Indian culture possesses a unique quality: “It evolves without erasing.” This ability to adapt and remain relevant while preserving its core values, she stated, is “the magic of our culture.”
Key Highlights:
- Nita Ambani, at WAVES 2025, described India as a “timeless civilization” with a rich cultural heritage.
- She highlighted India’s contributions to philosophy, science, art, and spirituality.
- Ambani emphasized the resurgence of India’s global voice, driven by its youth and leadership.
- She also spoke about promoting Indian culture globally through various initiatives.