PM Modi advocated for bringing out the potential of the Indian toy industry so that it can have an identity and called this an important part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
March 09, 2021
The India Toy Fair 2021 which was held virtually from 27 Feb to 02 March was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The objective behind the fair was to give a push to the toymakers in India. The event witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 exhibitioners this year.
During the inauguration, PM Modi interacted with toymakers from Karnataka’s Channapatna, UP’s Varanasi, and Jaipur in Rajasthan. He exhorted them to produce toys that are traditional, keeping in view the changing tastes of kids. In addition, he also asked the toy manufacturers to make eco-friendly, attractive, and innovative toys and use more recyclable material.
The aim of the India Toy Fair was to bring the government and the industry closer together so as to make the country the next global hub for the production and sourcing of toys.
PM Modi advocated for emphasizing the potential of the Indian toy industry so that it can have a unique identity, and called this as an important part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, adding that the first toy fair that India is now witnessing was not an economic or business event, but a medium to strengthen the old tradition and culture of sports and cheer in the country. The toy fair would also serve as a platform for discussion on toy design, innovation, packaging, technology as well as marketing, he said.
He also underscored the fact that toys made in India have an important role in the overall development of children, and the principles of reusing and recycling were also seen in toys. However, he also called for the industry to produce toys that were ecological as well as beneficial for psychology, adding that they should strive to make toys that used less plastic.
While India has a rich history of toys, where popular games like Chess and Ludo were played in ancient times as Chaturanga and Pachisi respectively, the country’s share in the global toy market was very small, he said, adding that a whopping 85% of the toys in India are sourced from abroad. He stressed the need to change this situation, for which the National Toy Action Plan has also been prepared.
