In a collaborative effort between the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Srinagar and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Jammu & Kashmir, a daylong exhibition of creative toys was held on Tuesday at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, here.
The event, under the project ‘Toycathon-2023’, was hosted by Zonal Education office Srinagar.
The exhibition showcased innovative and imaginative prowess of the participating students and drew the participation of around 70 enthusiastic students hailing from diverse schools across the region.
Divided into approximately 20 stalls, each student displayed their unique project, offering a glimpse into their creative minds and practical skill sets.
With over 100,000 registrations, Prof. Parikhshat Manhas, Director SCERT, J&K, expressed elation and called this a ‘unique’ opportunity.
“We are currently realizing an aspiration, actively working towards creating something extraordinary,” Manhas wrote on his Twitter handle. “The Toycathon serves as a crucial component of our endeavor to facilitate essential initiatives within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Principal DIET Srinagar, P.K Sharma, described the event as “an enrichment opportunity for students to connect with their cultural heritage through toys while embarking on a journey of competency-based learning for a promising future.”
Joint Director, Directorate of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), Rouf Rehman attended the event as special guest. He emphasized the importance of exposing children to external challenges and environments while keeping them rooted in their cultural heritage and values.
One standout creation that captured the attention of all was a meticulously crafted mud house by Aamina, a student from Oak Hill School. Her creation portrayed a vivid depiction of Old Kashmir, showcasing intricate details that resonated with the region’s historical essence.
Aamina’s passion for architectural engineering shone through as she conveyed her aspirations to carry forward the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir worldwide.
The event, among others, was attended by Principal BHSS Jawahar Nagar, Farooq Raina; ZEO Srinagar, Ghulam Nabi Sheikh; District Nodal Officer Toycathon, Mushfiq Hafiz and various Heads of Departments from DIET.
The Toycathon initiative, conceptualized by the Government of India, seeks to foster creativity, innovation, and learning among young minds by encouraging them to design and develop toys that are not only engaging but also rooted in India’s cultural heritage.
By merging traditional knowledge with modern technology, Toycathon aims to provide a platform for students to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the country’s toy manufacturing industry.
