Creators across the Islands can submit 1–3 minute original videos showcasing culture, heritage, tourism, traditions and local stories through MyWAVES
The Gems of India Challenge 2026, a national initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting being implemented through Prasar Bharati, has extended the submission deadline for its pilot phase to September 30, 2026. Andaman & Nicobar Islands is among the six participating pilot regions.
The programme document provided to Dweep Tulika originally specified August 1–31 as the submission period. Gems of India Pilot 16.07.2026 The subsequent extension means creators still have an opportunity to submit their entries.
Participants can use the MyWAVES section of the WAVES OTT platform to create a creator profile, select the Gems of India programme and upload their original content. Gems of India Pilot 16.07.2026
The challenge invites digital storytelling around culture and heritage, tourism destinations, folk traditions and performing arts, handicrafts, cuisine, festivals, local stories, nature and eco-tourism, historical sites, personalities, innovations and other distinctive features of a district. Gems of India Pilot 16.07.2026
The programme accepts formats including short videos, reels, documentaries, podcasts and vlogs. Current promotional material specifies 1–3 minute videos for the challenge.
The proposed award structure includes ₹50,000 at the district level, ₹2 lakh at the State/UT level and ₹5 lakh at the national level, subject to the applicable programme guidelines.
For Andaman & Nicobar, the extended deadline gives creators across South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar additional time to document and present the Islands' distinctive stories to a national audience.
Last date: 30 September 2026.