Nivruti Rai, the Managing Director and CEO of Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, encouraged gaming and animation developers to create narratives around Indian heroes from ancient epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Week, reported on her speech at the inaugural session of Bengaluru GAFX-2024, an annual event for the Games, Animation & Visual Effects Industry hosted by the Government of Karnataka, where Rai emphasized the wealth of historical and mythological content India possesses.

Rai illustrated her point by citing the success story of ‘Chhota Bheem,’ a beloved animation series based on the childhood of ‘Bhima,’ the second of the Pandavas, known for his immense strength in the epic Mahabharata. The CEO expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the State government to ensure that Bengaluru and India take a leading role in the gaming developer industry, transforming into the front end rather than the back end.

She highlighted India’s rich history, spanning 3,000 to 7,000 years, with countless stories and heroes that the world may not be fully aware of. Rai commended software developers who are already creating stories inspired by Mahabharata and Ramayana, resonating with audiences globally.

Questioning why Bengaluru should settle for being the back end when India’s heroes are global icons, Rai expressed her vision for Karnataka and India to take the lead in the gaming developer industry. Drawing an analogy between the government’s role and that of a mother, she emphasized the need for a supportive government that removes obstacles, allowing the industry to flourish.

Rai extended her commitment to partner with Karnataka, offering support to help the state become the front end of the gaming industry. She urged the youth to capitalize on the potential of the gaming and animation sector, taking advantage of India’s affordable data tariffs. Invest India, under Rai’s leadership, seeks to play a crucial role in fostering growth in the gaming and animation industry, positioning India as a global leader in the field.