Bhubaneswar: In another step towards an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat the Centre launched ‘Toycathon’, a hackathon for students, teachers, experts, and startups to crowdsource ideas for developing innovative toys and games based on Indian culture.
On Friday, the University Grants Commission has asked students and faculty members of higher education institutes to participate in track 2 of Toycathon 2021.’
Interested candidates have been asked to submit their ideas by January 20 at toycathon.mic.gov.in The winners can bag prizes worth Rs 50 lakh.
“All vice-chancellors of universities and principals of colleges are requested to share this initiative with students and faculty of their respective institutions and encourage them to actively participate in the Toycathon 2021,” UGC stated in its official notice.
It may be mentioned here that Toycathon 2021 was launched by Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhhriyal and Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani on January 5.
Speaking on the occasion Irani said, “India imports most of its toys and the government is working towards promoting the indigenous toy industry for making the country self-reliant in the sector.”
Pokhriyal, who was also present on the occasion, said size of the toy market in India is about $1 billion but unfortunately 80 per cent of the toys are imported.
Earlier under the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Toycathon was proposed for crowd sourcing of innovating ideas for development or creation of toys and games based on Bharatiya history, culture, ethos and culture.
The shortlisted ideas will be declared on 12 February and grand finale will be held from 23 to 25 February.
For details visit toycathon.mic.gov.in
