The Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi today, i.e., Sunday, August 30, 2020 asked the start-ups and entrepreneurs to ‘team up for toys’ and be ‘vocal for local toys.’
In his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said that India has potential to become the toy hub of the world. He said the global toy industry is worth over Rs. 7 lakh crores but India’s share is very small in the global toy industry. Young entrepreneurs developing computer games in and about India, will further strengthen the mission of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, “Be it virtual games, be it the sector of toys in the self-reliant India campaign, all have to play very important role, and therein lies an opportunity too.”
He said that toys not only entertain children but also build their mind. He said the best toys are those that bring out creativity. While acknowledging the importance of toys in the lives of children, Modi said toys also give flight to our aspirations.
Taking it to twitter, Modi tweeted, “Let us team up for toys. We are working to ensure youngsters get access to more (Indian made) toys. Also highlighted the interesting views of Gurudev Tagore on what toys should be about. #MannKiBaat.”
Responding to Modi’s request, the Chief Minister of Karnataka – B.S. Yediyurappa said that Koppala city in Karnataka, will be India’s first toy manufacturing cluster. Koppala is famous for toys and toy manufacturing cluster will be a boon for local artisans. He also said that the cluster has potential to create 40,000 jobs and attract over investments worth Rs. 5,000 crores.
Yediyurappa tweeted, “In line with PM @narendramodi ‘s vision of #VocalForLocal & boosting toy manufacturing, Koppala will have India’s first toy manufacturing cluster. With the eco-system to support toy cluster in place, this 400 acres SEZ will have top-class infra & generate 40,000 jobs in 5 years.”
Sharing his thoughts on Yediyurappa’s announcement, Modi tweeted, “Happy to see the states responding enthusiastically to the clarion call of making India a toy production hub.”
Besides, Channapatna in Ramnagaram (Karnataka), Kondaplli in Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, Dhubri in Assam, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are also being developed as toy clusters.
During his address, Modi also talked about certain apps under ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge’. He mentioned ‘KutukiKids’ Learning app where children can easily learn many aspects of maths, science through songs and stories. He also highlighted the ‘ KOO’ app where people can place their opinion and interact in our mother tongue through text, video or audio.
Modi also praised the efforts of farmers in the wake of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as sowing of Kharif crop increased by 7% as compared to the previous year. He mentioned that Vedas have also gloriously defined the energy of farmers.
Applauding the farmers, Modi tweeted, “हमारे किसानों ने कोरोना की इन कठिन परिस्थितियों में भी अपनी ताकत को साबित किया है। मैं देश के किसानों को बधाई देता हूं, उनके परिश्रम को नमन करता हूं। #MannKiBaat.”
Modi also said that India has many festivals that are related to the protection of our environment. Talking about Onam, he said that the zest of Onam today has reached distant shores of foreign lands. Be it America, Europe or Gulf countries, the verve of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning out to be an international festival. This festival arrives in the month of Chingam. During this period, people buy something new, decorate their homes, prepare Pookalam, enjoy Onam-Saadiya. Variety of games and competitions are also held.
Simultaneously, he also praised the people of India for showing discipline in celebrating various festivals, which have been affected by the pandemic.
