PM highlights Chhota Bheem’s popularity, calls on citizens to help make India a global leader in animation

Chhota Bheem’s Popularity

In his recent Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the rising influence of Indian animation on a global scale, citing popular animated characters like Chhota Bheem, Hanuman, and Motu-Patlu. He highlighted that Indian animation, known for its creative storytelling and cultural depth, has captivated audiences not only domestically but also internationally. Reflecting on this success, Modi urged citizens to join in making India a global powerhouse in animation.

The Prime Minister recalled the excitement that Chhota Bheem generated among children and noted how characters from Indian animated shows resonate worldwide. “Today, Dholakpur’s Chhota Bheem attracts children not only in India but also in other countries,” he stated, adding that shows like Krishna and Hanuman have also garnered fans globally.

Modi noted how animation is becoming ubiquitous across devices, from smartphones to virtual reality (VR) headsets, and positioned India at the forefront of an animation revolution. He emphasized the gaming industry’s rapid growth, where Indian games are increasingly popular, and shared his interactions with leading Indian game developers, acknowledging the quality and creativity that characterizes Indian-made games.

The Prime Minister also praised Indian animation professionals contributing to major global productions, mentioning Harinarayan Rajeev’s work on Spider-Man and Transformers. Indian animation studios, he said, collaborate with industry giants like Disney and Warner Brothers, further solidifying India’s place on the world stage. Additionally, Modi highlighted that Indian creators are bringing stories rooted in Indian culture to global audiences, reflecting the unique blend of tradition and innovation that characterizes Indian animation.

He spotlighted the VR tourism sector as an area where animation and technology converge, creating virtual experiences that allow people to explore cultural landmarks like the Ajanta caves, the Konark temple, and the ghats of Varanasi from anywhere in the world. “Many people, after seeing these places through VR, want to visit them in reality,” he said, underscoring how virtual tours inspire curiosity and foster tourism.

Beyond animators, the Prime Minister noted the growing demand for storytellers, writers, voice-over artists, musicians, and VR/AR experts in the expanding animation sector. Addressing India’s youth, he encouraged them to cultivate their creative talents, imagining a future where the next viral animation or video game could emerge from India.

The Prime Minister timed his message with World Animation Day, celebrated on October 28, urging people to work together toward making India a global leader in animation. He referenced Swami Vivekananda’s mantra, “Take an idea, make that one idea your life,” connecting it to the nation’s self-reliance campaign, Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that self-reliance, once a policy, has now become a passion among Indian citizens. Modi highlighted recent achievements in mobile manufacturing, defense exports, and space technology as evidence of this drive.

He also mentioned the recent inauguration of Asia’s largest imaging telescope, MACE, in Hanle, Ladakh, as a symbol of India’s scientific prowess and resilience in challenging environments.

In conclusion, Modi called on citizens to celebrate Atmanirbhar Bharat by showcasing local innovations and supporting domestic startups. “In this festive season, let us strengthen the campaign of Vocal for Local, making India a beacon of innovation and self-reliance,” he said, urging everyone to embrace and amplify the vision of a self-sufficient and globally influential India in animation and beyond.

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