Srinagar, Sept 18: The Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) organised the grand finale of “ToyCathon 2023” on Monday with the theme “Promotion of innovative ideas and revival of local heritage”.
The exhibition of the grand finale of the Toycathon 2023 initiative was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas, and he welcomed the dignitaries, guests, DIET principals, escort teachers, and the participating students.
Prof. Manhas also presented the concept note, in which the aims, objectives, and outcomes of the whole Toycathon 2023 were highlighted.
He said the enthusiasm of the students during the toyathon surprised us by moving beyond innovations to inventions.
While speaking at the grand ceremony function, Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar congratulated the students and the whole Toycathon team under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Parikshat Singh Manhas.
“It was a first-hand experience and a grand opportunity to meet the young minds in the exhibition and to know the tremendous talent,” Bhatnagar said.
He said it is the need of the hour to support and promote these kinds of programmes in the future.
The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department at JK, Alok Kumar, said that through regional resources and local heritage, we can have the best toy-making art that will support local needs and also help in economic emancipation and prosperity.
“The students must be encouraged to be part of the Toycathon in the future too,” Alok Kumar said.
Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), highlighted the importance and need of toys and games for making education holistic, joyful, and experiential.
Manhas impressed upon the initiative of designing toys and games to leverage the potential of toys and games in making learning engaging and enjoyable across all ages.
He gave a detailed account of the event, which was held under the theme ‘Promotion of Innovative Ideas and Revival of Local Heritage’ and kicked off on May 12, 2023, under three categories, i.e., classes 6th to 8th, 9th to 10th, and 11th to 12th.
During the final exhibition at Jammu as well as at Srinagar, 193 students installed their stalls and showcased the design of innovative toys. The Advisor, Principal Secretary, and Director of JKSCERT visited every stall and talked to the students at each stall in Kashmir.
The jury members too assessed the toys, their design, the making, materials, and human friendliness as parameters.
The Chief Guest for the event was Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, advisor to Lieutenant Jammu and Kashmir. Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, School Education JK, was the special guest.
The event of the same nature was held at Krishi Bhawan Talab Tillo Jammu for the participants of the Jammu division.
