STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Toycathon 2023 culminated with the felicitation of finale winners at JKSCERT, divisional office Jammu. Toycathon 2023 was the first of its kind rolled by any State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in India. Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir took the lead to organise this event on the analogy of Toycathon, a unique initiative initiated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 5th January, 2021.
Toycathon 2023 saw the participation of brilliant minds and talented students who created innovative, educational and culturally rich toys and games. The initiative was to foster creativity, curiosity, and innovation among the fresh and young minds of UT of JK. Above all the revival of cultural heritage is at its basis aiming at VOCAL FOR LOCAL. The outstanding work displayed by the young creators aligned with the vision of promoting “Make in India” and encouraging the spirit of innovation.
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Jammu and Kashmir launched Toycathon 2023 on 12th of May 2023 under the leadership of Director JKSCERT Dr. Parikshat Sigh Manhas under the theme: Promotion of innovative ideas and revival of local heritage.
The felicitation ceremony began with the singing of National anthem, followed by welcome address by Technical coordinator Vivek Jandial and prize distribution where Director JKSCERT Prof.(Dr.) Parikshat Sigh Manhas, Joint Director, Jammu Division, Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor and Joint Director, Central Move, H.R Pakhroo felicitated the Toycathon 2023 winners.
Toycathon 2023 attained the collosal target of about 1.25 lakh registrations As far as student registration details are concerned from Jammu Division, 32628 students registered in Category 1 (Class 6th to 8th), 16540 students registered in Category 2 (Class 9th to 10th) and 4779 students registered in Category 3 (Class 11th to 12th) and in total 53947 students were registered from Jammu Division for this event.
3 prizes in each category 1st, 2nd & 3rd along with appreciation certificate and 7 consolation prizes in each category were awarded to the winners.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Chairman, J&K Board of School Education highlighted the importance and need of toys and games for making education holistic, joyful and experiential. He impressed upon the initiative of designing toys and games to leverage the potential of toys and games in realising the dream of Atam nirbhar Bharat where the youth of J&K instead of being job seekers should be the creators of jobs.
He further added that Toycathon was not just a competition; it was a catalyst for collaboration. The Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) rendered support by becoming the knowledge partners of SCERT. The conduct of Design Registry workshop for the students who worked on the creative designs motivated them to protect their Toy designs under Design Rights. Accordingly, 115 applications were filed with the support of IP Mitra Program of DPIIT, which speaks volumes about the journey of Toycathon 2023.
Joint Director, JKSCERT, Divisional Office Jammu, Dr. Sindhu Kapoor presented vote of thanks acknowledging the hard work and dedication of each and every member that resulted in making Toycathon 2023 a roaring success. She hailed the creativity of young creators and added that this initiative inspired all to continue fostering creativity, innovation and a sense of wonder. The event was moderated by Ms. Monica Sharma, Academic officer, JKSCERT. The other team members in the organizing committee were Sabah Rashid, Pooja Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Anil Sharma, Navneet Gupta, Lakshmi Puri and Pratibha Jamwal.
