Adv. Ashish Shelar & the "Create in India" Vision: How Maharashtra’s Cultural Minister is Revolutionising Gaming & Animation
- Kenneth Hopkins
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Remember the days when parents would scold us for watching too many cartoons or playing video games all day? They would say, "Padhai kar lo, isme koi career nahi hai" (Study hard, there's no career in this).

Well, times have changed, and now the government itself is saying: This is the future.
Recently, the MAAC Manifest 2025 was held at the Rangsharda Auditorium in Mumbai, and it wasn't just another college fest. It was a landmark event attended by Adv. Ashish Shelar, the Hon'ble Minister of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra, signaling a massive shift in how India views creative careers.
If you have a creative bone in your body or know a student who loves design and gaming, you need to read about how the state leadership—spearheaded by Adv. Shelar—is powering the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector.
A Meeting of Creative Minds & Government Vision
The Rangsharda Auditorium was buzzing with energy, bringing together the three pillars of success:
Talented Students (The future creators).
Industry Experts (The global leaders).
Government Leadership (The policymakers).
Adv. Ashish Shelar, in his capacity as the Minister of Cultural Affairs, lit the traditional lamp, marking a new dawn for the AVGCXR ecosystem in Maharashtra. His presence confirms that animation and gaming are no longer just "hobbies"—they are now a key part of Maharashtra's cultural and economic roadmap.
Wait, what is AVGCXR? In simple language, it stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (VR/AR). Basically, the magic technology that powers your favorite movies, Instagram filters, and video games!
"Create in India, Create for the World"
During the event, Adv. Ashish Shelar highlighted a very powerful message inspired by Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi Ji: 'Create in India, Create for the World'.
We usually hear "Make in India" for factories and cars. But the Minister emphasized that "Create in India" is about our intellectual property and culture.
Global Impact: He noted that Indian youth have the passion to create content that dominates global screens, from Hollywood VFX to top-tier mobile games.
Cultural Export: By supporting this sector, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs aims to take Indian stories and artistry to a global audience through digital mediums.
Why the Cultural Minister's Support Matters
For a long time, creative arts were seen as "secondary" to engineering or medicine. But when Adv. Ashish Shelar attends an animation event as the Chief Guest, it sends a loud signal:
It’s Official: The government recognizes digital art as a vital part of modern culture.
Job Security: State backing usually leads to better infrastructure, more institutes, and more jobs in the state.
Future Focus: Maharashtra is positioning itself as the hub of India's creative economy.
The innovation displayed by the young creators at MAAC Manifest 2025 clearly impressed the Minister, proving that our youth are ready to lead the charge.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Young Creators
Congratulations to the MAAC team for organizing such a future-focused event. For every parent reading this: if your child is sketching characters or coding games, support them. With the backing of leaders like Adv. Ashish Shelar, the "Create in India" wave is here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the Chief Guest at MAAC Manifest 2025?
The event was graced by Adv. Ashish Shelar, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra, who attended to encourage young talent in the animation and gaming sector.
2. What is the role of the Cultural Affairs Ministry in Animation?
Under the leadership of ministers like Adv. Ashish Shelar, the ministry recognizes animation and gaming as modern cultural expressions. They are supporting the 'Create in India' vision to export Indian creativity globally.
3. Is Animation and Gaming a stable career in India now?
Yes. With strong government backing and the booming AVGCXR ecosystem in states like Maharashtra, careers in VFX and gaming are becoming highly lucrative and stable.
4. What is the 'Create in India' vision mentioned by Ashish Shelar? It is a vision inspired by PM Narendra Modi, urging Indian youth not just to consume global content, but to create original Indian content (games, movies, comics) for the entire world to watch.

