Guwahati: The WAVES Anime and Manga Contest 'WAM!', a flagship event of the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2024, was launched on November 22, 2024, at the NEDFi Convention Centre in Guwahati. The contest, part of the Create in India Challenge – Season 1, aims to foster local talent while capitalising on the rising popularity of Japanese manga and anime among Indian audiences.
The launch event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 54 contestants competing in Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories. Additionally, 20 skilled Cosplay artists showcased vibrant depictions of beloved anime and gaming characters which was organised by the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Ratul Patir Emerge as the Winner of the Cosplay Competition
Rahul Patir emerged as the winner of the Cosplay competition, with Leo & Nunam securing second place and Siddharth Dutta taking third. The results for the Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories will be announced soon. The Cosplay competition was adjudicated by Ez (Ankita Barthakur, Senior Admin of the Assam Cosplay Community).
Meanwhile, the Manga, Webtoon, and Anime segments were evaluated by a distinguished panel featuring Sushil Bhasin, President of MEAI, and Rishiraj Debroy (Shiroyasha), founder of the Barak Valley Anime Community.
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WAM! is a key element of WAVES 2024, India’s premier summit dedicated to the AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) and Media & Entertainment sectors. The initiative aligns with the ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ vision emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address.
The Create in India Challenge – Season 1 was inaugurated on August 22, 2024, in New Delhi by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees Information and Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & IT. This series of 27 creative challenges seeks to nurture talent and promote innovation in fields ranging from music and education to anti-piracy, serving as a precursor to WAVES 2024. By hosting WAM! and similar initiatives, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aims to establish India as a global creative hub while celebrating local artistry and talent.
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