‘Come, Let’s Play’: PM Modi Pitches For Made In India Toys

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again highlighted the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ on Sunday by laying stress on boosting the indigenous toy industry to make the country self-reliant.

Addressing the nation on his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the PM said, “The global toy industry is over Rs 7 lakh crore, but India’s share is very small. We will have to work to increase it.”

He also called upon start-up entrepreneurs to “team up for toys”, saying it is time to get vocal for local toys. “Come, let’s play,” he added.

The PM further said that the new National Education Policy also focuses on toys for children to nurture their creativity and innovation quotient.

He also asked young entrepreneurs to develop computer games in and about India, Hindustan Times reported.

“Everyone acknowledges capability of Indians to offer innovation, solutions. And when there is dedication and sensitivity, this power becomes limitless,” he said, referring to an app innovation challenge which was held earlier this month in which many indigenous applications won great honours.

“Under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge, there is an app called Kutuki Kids Learning app. This is an interactive app for children in which they can easily learn many aspects of maths, science through songs and stories,” he added.

Modi also hailed the discipline shown by Indians during the festival season, which will help check the spread of COVID-19. “We have seen unprecedented restraint and simplicity in our festivals during COVID-19 times. People are being responsible. They are showing great discipline in celebrating festivals,” he remarked.

He also hailed the farmers for increase in sowing area for different grains. “Our lives and society are driven by the power of agriculture only. Our farmers have proved their mettle even during the pandemic,” he said.

The PM talked about the importance of nutrition and said it is the duty of every citizen to eat healthy food, adding that apart from children, the women too should have healthy food.

“We have a saying ‘Yatha Annam Tatha Mannam’. It means our mental and intellectual development is directly related to the quality of our food intake,” said PM Modi.

He ended the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address with wishing people good health and urging them to stay safe during the pandemic.