Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 17: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, has launched the Pilot Phase of the ‘Gems of India’ Challenge, a national initiative to identify, nurture and promote grassroots digital creators, as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen India’s creative sector. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of six States/UTs selected for the Pilot Phase, alongside Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa, and Ladakh.
For the Islands, the Challenge invites creators from all three districts — South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar — to showcase the unique identity of the “Emerald Isles”, including tribal culture, eco-tourism, local cuisine, traditional crafts and community achievements, to a national audience.
Participation Details:
How to Join: Download the WAVES OTT app, register your mobile number, and visit the MyWAVES section to create a Creator Profile.
Submission Window: Entries will be accepted from 1st to 31st August 2026.
Format: Create and submit original digital content—videos, reels, podcasts, documentaries, or other creative formats—lasting 1 to 3 minutes, highlighting your district’s unique culture, heritage, tourism, traditions, history, and remarkable achievements.
Awards & Recognition:
• District Level: Up to 20 awards of Rs. 50,000 each, per district.
• State/UT Level: One exceptional creator from each district will receive a State-level Award of Rs. 2 lakh.
• National Level: During the subsequent national rollout, selected entries will compete for National Awards of Rs. 5 lakh each.
The Administration calls upon the youth and creative minds of all three districts to document our heritage and become the “Gems” of our Islands. For more information, visit the MyWAVES section on the WAVES OTT platform.
Meanwhile, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is organising a series of Awareness-cum – Orientation Workshops on the ‘Gems of India Challenge 2026’ across the Islands to encourage students, youth and emerging digital creators to participate in the national initiative and showcase the unique stories, culture, heritage and tourism potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T), in coordination with the District Administrations and partner departments, is facilitating wider awareness and participation in the Islands.
So far, Awareness-cum-Orientation Workshops on the ‘Gems of India Challenge 2026’ were organised in JNRM, ANCOL, Andaman Law College, TGCE, DIET, DBRAIT, ITI Dollygunj. Further, Awareness-cum – Orientation Workshops will also be organised in other parts of the Islands.