TFP Bureau, Mumbai, May 3,2025: Accessibility in India’s rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape took center stage at the WAVES 2025 summit on Friday, where thought leaders from technology, law, academia, and journalism called for systemic change, creative inclusivity, and robust policy support to make content accessible to all.
During a dynamic panel discussion on “Accessibility Standards in the Media & Entertainment Sector,” experts underscored that accessibility must be embedded at the foundation of content creation—not treated as an afterthought or regulatory obligation.
Prof. Brij Kothari of IIT Delhi highlighted India’s growing leadership in inclusive design. “India is not just catching up; in many ways, we are leading the conversation on inclusive design,” he said, emphasizing that accessibility benefits all citizens, not only persons with disabilities.
Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion for Google EMEA, pointed to the global momentum in accessibility policy but noted enforcement gaps. “We’re laying the groundwork now for systemic change in how accessibility is implemented,” he stated.
Ashay Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, CEO of Kintel, focused on the importance of preserving artistic intent in accessible content. “True accessibility doesn’t mean diluting the director’s vision. It means translating it meaningfully for all audiences,” he said.
Journalist Priti Salian showcased how AI is accelerating accessibility, citing initiatives like sign-language interpreter avatars and faster audio description workflows. However, she warned that technology alone is not enough and called for more public-private partnerships and state support.
Legal expert Rahul Bajaj stressed the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, while Danish Mahajan, Founder of Radio Udaan, advocated for increased representation of persons with disabilities in policy-making roles to ensure inclusivity from the top down.
The session concluded with a unified message: accessibility must evolve from a compliance mindset to a strategic and ethical cornerstone of content creation. As India pushes forward in its digital journey, inclusive media will be critical to ensuring equal access for all.
