PM Modi: From Players to Creators, Build Games on Indian Epics

India has the stories; now it needs the developers. That was the core message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi this Monday as he addressed a massive gathering of young innovators at the Bharat Mandapam. Speaking at the concluding session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, the Prime Minister didn't just talk policy; he pitched a vision where Indian mythology becomes the next big global export. His suggestion was simple yet ambitious: it is time to look into our own backyard for content, urging creators to adapt epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata into high-end gaming experiences. 

The highlight of the address, which drew thunderous applause from the audience, was the Prime Minister's assertion on the potential of Indian characters. “Hanuman alone can power an entire gaming universe,” he remarked. The sentiment was clear, India shouldn't just be a consumer of global titles; it should be the one setting the narrative. He emphasized that by blending heritage with high-tech, Indian youth can export the country’s culture to a global audience that is hungry for fresh, immersive stories.

Betting on the 'Orange Economy'

This push is part of a broader strategy to boost "Orange Economy," a sector driven by creativity, arts, and immersive technology like VR. He noted that this intersection of culture and content is where India’s next economic leap will happen. The Prime Minister encouraged the youth to utilize several avenues that have been opened by the government to amplify their work, envisioning a developed India by 2047 where "our culture will reach the world, while modern technology will also be put to use." The goal is a future where the next global blockbuster features Vedic ideals rather than modern warfare.

The global gaming industry is a juggernaut, which is now exceeding $190 billion in annual revenue. According to Newzoo reports, mobile gaming alone has surpassed the $108 billion mark by the end of 2025. Closer to home, the stakes are just as high. Reports from Lumikai indicate that India’s gaming market generated $3.8 billion in FY24, marking a 20% CAGR, projecting that the domestic market could more than double to $9.2 billion by FY29.

The demographic advantage is equally fueling this potential. Data estimates from Lumikai place the Indian user base at 591 million gamers, driven by affordable smartphones. Crucially, the market is maturing; in-app purchases grew by 41% in FY24, signaling that Indian gamers are ready to pay for the kind of deep, story-driven experiences. 

Addressing the hesitation that often plagues creative entrepreneurs, PM Modi offered a strong assurance of support. “You should move forward with your ideas. Don’t step back from taking risks. The government is walking with you,” he said, as reported by ANI. This marks a significant shift in the government’s engagement with the sector.

The event itself was a testament to the scale of this ambition. Held on Jan12 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated as National Youth Day, the dialogue saw unprecedented participation. PM Modi noted that over 5 million youth registered for the initiative, with 3 million participating in the Viksit Bharat Challenge to share development ideas. 

He praised the quality of inputs on themes like Women-Led Development and Youth Participation in Democracy, calling the life of Swami Vivekananda a "guiding light" for the innovators of tomorrow.