Toycathon is a digital innovation challenge that combines tradition and technology to develop games. It is a joyful and rewarding journey based on the ideas of NEP 2020 and the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ mission. NEP 2020 under para 4.29 envisages that all curriculum and pedagogy, from the foundational stage onwards, will be redesigned to bestrongly rooted in the Indian and local context and ethos in terms of culture, traditions, heritage,customs, language, philosophy, geography, ancient and contemporary knowledge, societal andscientific needs, indigenous and traditional ways of learning etc. – in order to ensure that education is maximally relatable, relevant, interesting, and effective for our students. Stories, arts, games, sports, examples, problems, etc. will be chosen as much as possible to be rooted in the Indian and local geographic context. Ideas, abstractions and creativity will indeed best flourish when learning is thus rooted.Under the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ initiated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, Toycathon-2021 conceived to challenge India’s innovative minds to conceptualize novel Toy and Games based on Bharatiya civilization, history, culture, mythology and ethos.
Toycathon 2021 was an inter-ministerial initiative organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell 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. Currently, India’s toy market stands at around 1.5 Billion USD, which primarily is dominated by imported toys. Moreover, the majority of these toys do not represent Indian heritage, civilization and value systems. In 2021, 1.29 lakh students registered for the competition and submitted 17,000 ideas, of which 1,567 were shortlisted for the three-day online finale. In total, 117 teams were declared winners under different themes.
Based on the aspirations of NEP 2020 and the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ mission, The State Council Of Education Research and Training J&K organized Toycathon 2023 under the visionary leadership of Prof (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas Director SCERT J&K/ Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). This was the first of its kind rolled out by any State Council of Education Research and Training across India. It witnessed an overwhelming response from the students across J&K with over 1.25 lakh entries. The initiative resulted in the filing of 115 applications by SCERT J&K in collaboration with the office of The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks(CGPDTM) and with the support of The IP Mitra programme of the department of The Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). These applications were registered, and the students have also received registration certificates from the Govt. of India.This is the first time that designs of students from any region of India have been registered by the Patent Office Govt. of India in such a short span of time.
Totcathoy 2024 has already been launched by SCERT J&K under the overall transformational leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director of SCERT J&K, under the theme line “promotion of innovative ideas and revival of local heritage” which aims to ignite innovation and creativity among students across Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative invites students from three educational stages—Elementary (6th – 8th grade), Secondary (9th and 10th grade), and Higher Secondary (11th and 12th grade)—to participate in an immersive journey of ideation and creation.
The primary objective of Toycathon 2024 is to cultivate a vibrant creative ecosystem that enhances cognitive abilities and fosters innovative thinking among young minds. By integrating interactive toys and games into the learning process, the initiative seeks to empower students with skills essential for self-reliance and joyful learning experiences. Participants are encouraged to explore a diverse range of themes that celebrate regional culture, delve into historical events, honor heritage and regional freedom fighters, and promote out-of-the-box creativity. The competition also emphasizes logical and scientific reasoning, encouraging students to rediscover and innovate traditional local toys that resonate with contemporary sensibilities. A significant aspect of Toycathon 2024 is the focus on inclusivity, with a dedicated category for designing toys and games that cater to the needs of specially-abled children. This reflects a commitment to nurturing empathy and ensuring that innovation benefits all segments of society.
Looking ahead, the success of Toycathon 2024 hinges on collective efforts to unleash the potential of every participant, regardless of their geographic or socio-economic background. It represents an invitation to educators, parents, and students alike to embrace creativity, celebrate diversity, and view innovation as a cornerstone of national progress.
In conclusion, Toycathon 2024 epitomizes the spirit of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’, empowering students to innovate, explore, and create while honoring their cultural heritage. As the registration deadline approaches, stakeholders are urged to intensify their efforts in facilitating student participation, it is imperative for educators, parents, and community leaders to collaborate effectively to ensure maximum engagement in this enriching educational endeavor. Let us reaffirm our commitment to making education a transformative force—one that not only enriches minds but also nurtures the essence of our nation.
Together, let us ensure Toycathon 2024 achieves resounding success, inspiring future generations and paving the way for a brighter, inclusive future for India.
(Author works as Sr Academic Officer JKSCERT, Bemina, Srinagar and can be mailed at[email protected])
