On January 12, 2026, at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a message that drew both applause and controversy across India — especially among many Hindus who feel deeply connected to the ancient epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Prime Minister’s remarks weren’t just about mythology — they intersected with technology, culture, and a rapidly growing digital economy. But the conversation has also ignited strong emotional reactions and concerns about respect for religion.
Narendra Modi’s Vision: Taking Indian Epics to the World of Gaming
During the conclusion of the Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, Narendra Modi spoke passionately about the creative power of Indian youth. He called upon them to harness innovation and imagination to propel India into the global digital economy. A major part of this call involved connecting India’s ancient cultural heritage with modern technology — particularly the global gaming industry.
Modi noted that gaming is now one of the largest global markets and a growing economic powerhouse, and he posed a bold idea: Why not bring India’s legendary tales — like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata — into video games aimed at the world?
He said:
“Our stories are Ramayan, Mahabharat…can we take these to the world of gaming? Gaming is a major market, a major economy in the world. We can bring new games based on our mythologies.”
In a memorable line quoted by Indian media, Modi added that even Lord Hanuman alone “can run the entire world’s gaming universe”, underscoring his belief in the power of Indian mythological characters to succeed globally.
The Prime Minister connected this idea to the growing “Orange Economy” — a term used for the cultural, creative, and digital sectors — suggesting that mythology-inspired digital products could help export India’s culture while boosting innovation and jobs.
What Narendra Modi Actually Proposed
Here’s a simple breakdown of what Modi said:
Youth and Innovation
Modi praised young Indians for their creativity and entrepreneurial energy.
He urged them not to fear taking risks, saying the government supports new ideas.
Mythology as Cultural Capital
Modi emphasized that stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are part of India’s timeless heritage.
By transforming these stories into games, India could export culture globally and build new digital products inspired by its own traditions.
Economic Opportunity
He described gaming as a major global economy and suggested that incorporating Indian mythological narratives could open new avenues for youth-led innovation.
Why Many Hindus Are Hurt — The Emotional Backlash
While many welcomed the idea of celebrating Indian heritage on global platforms, millions of Hindus expressed hurt, discomfort, and concern. Here’s why:
Sacred vs. Secular Interpretation
For many Hindus, Ramayana and Mahabharata aren’t just stories — they are sacred epics embedded deeply in religious identity. Turning them into commercial entertainment, especially video games where players can control divine characters or re-enact epic battles, can feel like a trivialization of sacred beliefs.
Games often allow players to make choices, including acts that may contradict devotional beliefs — for example, making characters fight in ways seen as disrespectful. This creative freedom, normal in gaming, raises fears of disrespect or misrepresentation of divine figures.
Fear of Misrepresentation
Many Hindus worry that:
Mythological characters could be portrayed inaccurately or sensationally
Spiritual messages may be lost or diluted
International audiences might misunderstand or misinterpret complex traditions
This concern isn’t just about religion — it’s about cultural dignity and preservation.
Commercialization of Religion
The idea of monetizing religious narratives for entertainment can feel offensive to those who hold the epics as revered texts rather than products. While exporting culture globally can be positive, making it part of a commercial industry like gaming can be seen as commercial exploitation of sacred heritage.
Past Sensitivities and Controversies
In India’s recent history, creative expressions involving religious themes have sometimes led to heated debates, legal issues, and public protests when they were seen as disrespectful. This has made sections of society especially cautious and sensitive when traditional beliefs intersect with entertainment.
Can Gaming and Faith Coexist Respectfully?
The controversy highlights a broader question: Can modern digital media celebrate ancient spirituality without offending believers? The answer may depend on how such projects are handled.
If developers:
Work closely with scholars and religious communities
Prioritize cultural authenticity
Avoid sensationalism
Separate entertainment from sacred reverence
Then it’s possible to create respectful cultural content that honors tradition while appealing to global audiences.
Conclusion — Balancing Innovation and Respect
Narendra Modi’s remarks about bringing the Ramayana and Mahabharata into the global gaming industry ignited a complex conversation at the crossroads of culture, religion, innovation, and modern identity.
While the idea reflects a bold vision for India’s creative economy and global storytelling, it also underscores the deep emotional and spiritual connections millions of Hindus have with these epics. The challenge ahead will be finding ways to celebrate and share India’s heritage with the world — without diminishing its sacredness.
If handled sensitively, this could be a moment where ancient wisdom meets future technology — but only with deep respect, consultation, and cultural care.