Manav Rachna is the only University chosen among all 6 institutions as a Nodal Centre for an interaction with Hon’ble PM Narendra Modiduring Toycathon 2021

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi interacted with the finalists of Toycathon 2021 through video conferencing today. Manav Rachna was the only University among 6 institutions chosen as a Nodal Centre for the Live interaction with PM Modi.

Manav Rachna has been selected as a Nodal Centre by AICTE for hosting Toycathon 2021 Grand Finale organised jointly by the Ministry of Education in coordination with five other Ministries viz: Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Ministry of Textiles. Toycathon focuses on conceptualizing new and innovative toys using local materials which are economical, affordable, safe, environment friendly, with exceptional high quality for both Indian and global markets.

The Hon’ble PM while addressing the participants said: “Toys and games influence our mental power, creativity and our economy. All of us know that a child’s first school is his/her family. But the first book and first friends are toys”. The Prime Minister also made an appeal to the country’s youth with regard to self-reliance and coming up with local solutions in the world of toys and digital gaming. Stating that India imports about 80% of its toys, the prime minister said that this practice should change and the country should go vocal for local.

He emphasized “Courage is the key to prosperity.All the participants showcase India’s bright future in toy manufacturing and this is how youngsters will strengthen our AtmaNirbhar Bharat.”

While interacting with Ishmeet Kaur (the youngest participant in the interaction) from the portals of Manav Rachna, the Hon’ble PM expressed his appreciation for the project ‘Bagh Chaal’ as a modern way of preserving the traditional games of India. He said, this effort and idea is highly laudable and shall inspire the youth of the country to connect with the heritage of the country in a fun, yet educative way. Also present during this interaction were Dr. Mohit Gambhir, Director of the Innovation Cell at Ministry of Education; Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions; Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, VC, MRIIRS; Dr. I K Bhat, VC, MRU; Dr. Umesh Dutta, Director, MRIIC and other senior representatives.

Over 1.2 lakh participants registered and submitted more than 17000 ideas for Toycathon 2021. 1567 ideas were shortlisted for 3 days online Toycathon Grand Finale, held from 22nd June to 24th June. It is a matter of great pride that Manav Rachna was among the 6 Institutions shortlisted as a nodal centre for a LIVE interaction with the Honorable PM during the Toycathon 2021. Of these six institutions, Manav Rachna was the only University!

Dr. Mohit Gambhir said: “India’s domestic market, as well as the global toy market, offers a huge opportunity to our manufacturing sector. Globally, toy-making is a $100 billion industry, with China, the USA, Germany and Japan as the key players. India imports 80 to 85 per cent of its annual $1.5-billion toy market. In comparison to the large giants, Indian toys have a minuscule presence in the global market. Toycathon 2021 is aimed at boosting the toy Industry in India to help it capture a wider share of the toy market”.

Dr. Sanjay Srivastava said, “Toycathon-2021 has been conceived to challenge India’s innovative minds to conceptualize novel Toy and Games based on Bharatiya civilization, history, culture, mythology and ethos. It is also an effort to make India a hub for ideation and production of toys, and minimize the dependency on imported toys. Toycathon is an inspiration and a step to initiate development of toys in India and engage the generation in constructive ideation”.

Ishmeet Kauris from Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan- Anguridevi Shersingh Memorial Academy who has developed a board game on REDEFINING BAGH-CHAAL.