Creative Currents: Lessons from India on Kazakhstan’s Hidden Potential
Harnessing Creative Powers: A Call to Action from WAVES 2023
MUMBAI — As I immersed myself in the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) this May, I found my role transcending that of a mere journalist. I felt a pulse, a stirring movement that echoed beyond just headlines and press releases. In the vibrant city of Mumbai—a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and creativity—I was part of something profound.
In just a few days, I walked the buzzing halls of the summit, standing mere feet away from legends of Indian cinema like Shah Rukh Khan and Mithun Chakraborty. These icons are not just actors; they are orchestrators of emotion, their on-screen narratives resonating with millions across the globe, including myself, long before I ever ventured into journalism.
Yet it wasn’t the star power that captivated me the most; it was a pivotal statement by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his inauguration speech. He remarked, “Screen size may be getting smaller, but the scope is becoming infinite.” This simple yet profound observation underscores a vital truth: as smartphones and streaming reshape our world, the potential to influence and inspire is not only accessible—it’s exponentially powerful.
Modi urged creative minds worldwide to “dream big and tell your story,” encouraging investors to support not just platforms but the very people behind the art. He emphasized that creativity is a force, essential for progress. With its rich cultural tapestry, India is heavily investing in this force, aiming to expand its creative market to an impressive $50 billion by 2029.
As I absorbed this atmosphere of artistic fervor, I couldn’t help but reflect on Kazakhstan. We, too, possess a wealth of stories that extend beyond our picturesque steppes. Our nation boasts poets, painters, musicians, and a burgeoning cinematic scene, yet our creative sector remains an untapped reservoir, yearning for awakening.
According to the UN Trade and Development’s Creative Economy Outlook 2024, global creative services exports surged to $1.4 trillion in 2022, with creative goods climbing to $713 billion. This isn’t merely economic data; it represents the future.
Kazakhstan is starting to step into the limelight, yet our advances must be more than peripheral elements in national policy; they need to be central to our strategy. Creativity should not be limited to self-expression; it can be a catalyst for diplomacy, economic growth, and cultural connection. The WAVES summit illustrated the incredible potential inherent when creativity underpins a nation’s identity.
Much like India, Kazakhstan is a mosaic of cultures and languages. We possess unique aspects that can enchant global audiences, should we choose to share them. India’s journey reminds us that the world desires authenticity, urging us to present ourselves boldly and purposefully.
As I witnessed a performance celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian history and mythology, I was struck by a nation that embraces its complexities rather than shunning them. In such celebrations lies real strength—a vision we must cultivate back home.
We must establish platforms for storytelling and champion our filmmakers, artists, and digital innovators. Our youth deserve to envision their creativity not as a pastime but as a viable profession contributing to Kazakhstan’s prosperity.
India’s message is unmistakable: when you tell your story, the world pays attention. Investing in creativity translates into investment in peace, identity, and shared human connection.
Thank you, India, for this powerful reminder and wave of inspiration. Together, let’s harness this momentum and ride it back to Kazakhstan, cultivating a vibrant creative future for our nation.
