India is set to host its first-ever Toy Fair, marking a significant move towards promoting the country’s toy industry. This event, scheduled from February 27 to March 2, 2021, is an initiative that aims to bring together children, parents, teachers, and manufacturers in a virtual space to celebrate and explore the vast world of toys. The announcement of this fair was accompanied by the launch of an official website, serving as a central hub for registration and information.
Launch of the India Toy Fair Website
The official website for the inaugural India Toy Fair, http://www.theindiatoyfair.in, was launched on February 11, 2021, by prominent members of the Indian government. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani jointly unveiled the platform. This digital portal is designed to facilitate the participation of various stakeholders in the virtual fair. It offers an opportunity for children, teachers, parents, and exhibitors to register themselves and engage in the upcoming event.
Registration and Participation
The website serves as a critical tool for those interested in taking part in the fair. With a user-friendly interface, it provides a straightforward process for visitors to sign up and get involved. Exhibitors can also use the platform to showcase their products to a broader audience. In addition to registration, the website allows buyers to browse and purchase toys directly from over 1,000 exhibitors representing different parts of India.
Focus on Educational Value of Toys
During the website launch, Piyush Goyal emphasized the educational significance of toys, highlighting their role in fostering discovery-based, play-based, and activity-based learning. This approach is closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for hands-on, practical learning experiences. Goyal pointed out that such methods are crucial in connecting day-to-day studies with real-world applications.
Incorporating Toys in Education Policy
In line with the NEP 2020, there is a concerted effort to develop a toy-based pedagogy that spans from pre-school education to Class 12th. This innovative educational strategy involves using low-cost and no-cost materials to create toys within the classroom setting. The objective is to integrate play into the curriculum, thereby enhancing the learning process and stimulating creativity among students.
The Role of Indian Toys in Child Development
The Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, shed light on the intrinsic value of Indian toys, describing them as essential elements of a joyful childhood. He noted that toys are not only sources of entertainment but also vital tools for growth and learning. Indian toys have been traditionally known for their cultural and educational relevance, and the fair seeks to underscore their importance in the holistic development of children.
The first India Toy Fair represents a strategic move by the government to boost the domestic toy industry, encourage local manufacturing, and highlight the educational potential of toys. By providing a virtual platform for interaction and commerce, the fair aims to support the industry’s growth and promote the cultural heritage embedded in Indian toys. Through this event, the government hopes to foster innovation and creativity in the field of toy-making, while also emphasizing the role of toys in learning and child development.