TEZU, 29 Jul: The district-level ‘Gems of India Challenge – National Creator Initiative’ was launched at the conference hall of the Lohit deputy commissioner’s office here on Wednesday.
The programme was attended by government officials and content creators from across Lohit district.
Addressing the participants, DIPRO Nyatum Doke delivered a presentation explaining the initiative’s objectives, participation guidelines, selection process, and opportunities available to digital content creators.
Doke informed that the Gems of India Challenge, launched by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is a national initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and promoting grassroots digital creators. The initiative encourages creators to tell authentic and engaging stories about the culture, heritage, tourism potential, traditions, history and distinctive achievements of their respective districts.
It is built upon MyWAVES, the citizen-creator platform under the WAVES OTT, which enables citizens to create, upload and showcase original content.
He further informed that Arunachal Pradesh is among the states and union territories selected for the pilot phase of the challenge.
“Interested creators may submit original videos of one to three minutes through the MyWAVES section of the WAVES OTT platform. The submission window for the pilot phase will remain open from 1 August to 31 August, 2026,” Doke said.
During the programme, a short introductory video titled Gems of India – MyWAVES was screened. This was followed by an interactive session, during which officials and content creators discussed the themes, technical requirements and procedure for participation. Queries raised by the participants were also addressed.
Addressing the gathering, DC Kesang Ngurup Damo encouraged the content creators of the district to participate actively in the challenge. He said that “Lohit district possesses immense potential for creative storytelling through its diverse communities, traditional knowledge, festivals, natural beauty, historical places and developmental achievements.”
The deputy commissioner emphasised that digital platforms have created new opportunities for young people to present local stories before national and global audiences. He urged creators to produce responsible, original and meaningful content that truthfully reflects the identity and aspirations of the district.
Outstanding creators will be recognised at the district, state and national levels. The initiative provides for up to 20 district-level awards of Rs 50,000 each, while one selected creator from each district may compete for a state-level award of Rs 2 lakh. Selected state entries may subsequently compete for national awards of Rs 5 lakh each during the wider national rollout.
The pilot phase of the ‘Gems of India Challenge’was launched also in Upper Siang district on Wednesday.
During the launch programme held in the DC’s conference hall in Yingkiong, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) Binti Mibang urged the digital content creators of the district to showcase the district’s unique culture, traditions, natural beauty, and success stories in a positive and responsible manner.
She said that quality digital content has the potential to project a positive image of the district and contribute to tourism promotion, cultural preservation, and public awareness.
ADTH Onam Darang Pertin said that the initiative provides an opportunity for the youths, particularly aspiring digital content creators, to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Upper Siang.
Earlier, DIPRO Yalik Jerang highlighted the initiative’s objectives, themes, participation guidelines, and opportunities.
A promotional video on the Gems of India Challenge was also screened for the participants. (DIPROs)
