Creative Economy and India's Development

The power of imagination, curiosity, creativity, and innovation is central to India's future, particularly through its creative economy, which is projected to reach $80 billion by 2026. The creative economy is a strategic lever for inclusive growth, integrating education and entrepreneurship.

Education and Skill Development

• A report titled "Shaping Education to nurture the $80 billion Creative Economy" highlights that only 9% of students demonstrate readiness in 21st-century skills such as design thinking and problem-solving.
• The NEP 2020 emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication in the curriculum. 
• The introduction of art-integrated learning and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies are steps towards this goal.

The Creator Economy

• India's creator economy has surpassed the $500 million mark, emphasizing authenticity. 
• Initiatives like WAVES OTT empower grassroots creators, enhancing local content and storytelling in national dialogues.

Community and Social Impact

• Creators bridge gaps in education and awareness, using platforms like Odiya rap videos and health content to educate and engage millions.
• Vernacular influencers have achieved over 70 million views on significant topics like health and nutrition.

Policy Recommendations

• To harness this potential, it is suggested that government-backed media labs and creator incubators be introduced, integrating skilling with storytelling. 
• Collaboration among various ministries is essential to blend curriculum with creator capital.

As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the focus should be on fostering creativity as a force for economic, cultural, and social transformation, empowering every child and creator to drive change.