In today’s blog; we will talk about Toycathon 2021. We will discuss in detail about this programme; its objective; significance; main events and other important points.
Let us start by first knowing what is Toycathon 2021.
About Toycathon
Toycathon 2021 is an inter-ministerial initiative organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. It was organized with support from All India Council for Technical Education; Ministry of Women and Child Development; Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of MSME; Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It was launched on 5 January; 2021.
Significance
India’s toy market stands at around 1.5 Billion USD. India imports 80% of its toys which means crores of rupees goes abroad. India needs to be vocal for local toys. This hackathon aims at making India Atma Nirbhar in the Toy sector and a hub for the global toy manufacturing industry.
Growth in the toy industry will also have a positive impact on small scale toy industries; rural population including artisans and tribal population.
Toycathon 2021 is a unique opportunity for students; teachers; Start-ups; Toy professionals in India to submit their innovative toys/games concept. A prize worth Rs50 lakhs will be given to the winner.
Themes
The Toy Hackathon or Toycathon is based on nine themes: Indian culture; History, Knowledge of India and Ethos; Social and human values; Learning, Education And Schooling; Occupation & specific fields; Environment; Divyang; Fitness and sport; Out of the box, creative and logical thinking and rediscovering/redesigning traditional Indian toys.
Aims and objectives
It aims to crowd-source innovative toys and games ideas based on India’s culture, civilization, history, mythology and ethos.
To promote India as a toy manufacturing hub globally under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme.
Events
More than 1.2 lakh participants were registered and over 17000 ideas were submitted. Out of which, 1567 ideas were shortlisted for 3 days online Toycathon Grand Finale. The Grand Finale was scheduled from 22nd June to 24th June. After a three day finale 117 ideas were finally selected.
Manav Rachna was selected as the Nodal Centre for live interaction with the Honourable Prime Minister. The finalists were given the opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister.
Winners
The winners were announced on 26 June. A team of 3 students from Jamia Millia Islamia’s (JMI) department of civil engineering won the competition. The team with Sarthak Kumar, Nikhil Yadav, and Alziyan Ansari designed a mathematical board game for children above 12 years old. The team was mentored by Prof. Shamshad Ahmad, head of department of civil engineering, JMI.
Important Takeaways
Ministry Of Education (MoE)
Union Minister – Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
MoS (Minister of State) – Sanjay Sharma Dhotre
Ministry of Women & Child Development
Union Minister – Smriti Irani
MoS – Debasree Chaudhuri
Here, we come to the end of this blog. We covered the relevant details about the unique initiative taken by India to promote its toy industry. Additionally, we also mention the ministry of education and child development.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article.
