The Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), in collaboration with G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering and Management (GHRCEM), Nagpur, successfully hosted WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) Nagpur 2025 today. This event, a part of the larger WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit) initiative, brought together some of Central India’s most promising artists, animators, voice actors, and cosplayers.
Following the overwhelming response in Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, and Delhi, WAM! Nagpur continued its mission to promote and nurture India’s emerging talent in anime, manga, and webtoon, driving the Create in India initiative forward.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation across multiple categories, including:
- Manga (Japanese-style comics)
- Webtoon (digital comics)
- Anime (Japanese-style animation)
- Voice Acting Showdown
- Cosplay Competition
Kayra Animation Studio Pledges Support to WAM! Talent
Kayra Animation Studio, Central India’s biggest animation studio, was highly impressed with the talent displayed at WAM! Nagpur. Recognizing the immense potential of participants, Kayra Animation has assured job placements for WAM! winners and internships for budding artists looking to start their careers in the animation industry.
Mr. Arpit Dubey, CEO of Kayra Animation Studio, Indore, shared his enthusiasm:
“The level of creativity and skill we have witnessed at WAM! Nagpur is remarkable. It is inspiring to see so many young artists pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. Kayra Animation is committed to nurturing this talent by offering career opportunities to WAM! winners and internships to promising newcomers. We believe India is on the verge of becoming a global powerhouse in animation, and events like WAM! play a crucial role in making that happen.”
Jury Panel & Dignitaries Present
A distinguished panel of industry veterans judged the event:
Sushil Bhasin – CMD, Bhasin Group & President, Media & Entertainment Association of India
Arpit Dubey – CEO, Kayra Animation Pvt Ltd & Co-Chairman, MP AVGC-XR Media and Entertainment Association
Nilesh Patel – CEO, Nilesh Patel Animation Studio & Vertical Director, MP AVGC-XR Media and Entertainment Association
The award ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries from GHRCEM, Nagpur, including:
Dr. Vivek Kapur, Director, GHRCEM, Nagpur
Prof. Anupam Chaube, Dean, Science & Technology, GHRCEM, Nagpur
Dr. Sandhya Dahake, HOD, MCA Dept., GHRCEM, Nagpur
Prof. Neeraj Kumar Jha, Co-ordinator, WAM, GHRCEM, Nagpur
Their presence underscored the growing synergy between academia and the animation industry, further solidifying WAM! as a platform for young talent to gain industry exposure and career opportunities. MCA Department, G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering and Management (GHRCEM), Nagpur, was crucial in coordinating and facilitating the event.
Winners of WAM! Nagpur 2025
Cosplay:
Winner: Mahewish Shoukat Sayyad
First Runner-up: Shantanu Deshpande
Second Runner-up: Vansh Naik
Manga:
Student Winner: Anisha Bangre
Webtoon:
Professional Winner: Anjali Verma
Anime:
Professional Winner: Entangled Studio (Shubhranshu Singh, Shephali Singh, Nihal Dungdung, Pratham Virani)
Exciting Rewards & Industry Recognition
The winners in the Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories were presented with a host of exciting prizes, including WACOM Pen Tablets, Faber-Castell goodies, official merchandise from TRIO, and cash prizes. Notably, the Anime category winners were also awarded the opportunity to have their pilot episode dubbed in English, Hindi, and Japanese, opening doors for international exposure. Additionally, Toonsutra confirmed the distribution of the Webtoon winners’ work on their platform, giving them a wider audience.
Additionally, Anime winners are promised English, Hindi, and Japanese dubs for their pilot episode, ensuring global reach. Toonsutra has confirmed distribution of Webtoon winners’ work on their platform, providing them with unparalleled industry exposure.
A Platform for the Future of Indian Animation
As WAM! continues its journey across India, it remains committed to nurturing new talent, fostering IP creation, and building India’s presence on the global animation stage. With industry leaders, animation studios, and academia joining hands, WAM! is set to become the launchpad for India’s next generation of anime, manga, and webtoon creators.
Bookmark our Website to stay tuned for more updates as WAM! continues to inspire and celebrate India’s creative brilliance
