PM Modi asks India to become 'Vocal about Local Toys'; urges Indian startups to focus on innovations in toy technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday organized his monthly radio program "Mann Ki Baat".  There, he urged startups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative toys and games; "For India and Of India". The direction aims to meet domestic demand and increase its share in the global toy business, almost Rs 7 lakh crore. He also called the general public to go "Vocal For Local"; and support Indian apps that could replace the ones currently in vogue and are controlled by foreign companies. He focused on India to become self-reliant, even in toys.

He stressed on Mahatma Gandhi's call for non-cooperation. On it, he said that "AtmaNirbhar Bharat" is also a step in the same direction; making India self-reliant. He said, "Friends, be it virtual games, be it the sector of toys in the self-reliant India campaign, all have to play a very important role. Therein lies an opportunity to. A hundred years ago when the non-cooperation movement started. Gandhiji had written that the non-cooperation movement is an effort to make countrymen realize their self-respect and their power."

Modi had recently chaired a meeting aimed at boosting India's share in the global toy trade. China is one of the largest toy manufacturers and exporters, and India should aim to go beyond, he advised. "We can do two things through toys; bring back the glorious past in our lives, and also spruce up our golden future. To my startup friends, to our new entrepreneurs, I say, team up for toys. For everybody, it is the time to get vocal for local toys," he said.

Digital Toys

"Computer games are also very famous. Both young and old play them. But most of them are influenced by the West. We should have India-centric games. We can be 'AatmaNirbhar' in this regard," he said.

previously, he said that toys aligned with the Indian culture and ethos. We should use them as pedagogical tools across all Anganwadi centers and schools for the all-round development of children. He also stressed on the need to organize hackathons for innovations in toy technology and design.

Further, he laid emphasis on the fast-growing digital gaming arena. PM Modi said India should tap the huge potential in this area and lead the international digital gaming sector. Further, we should develop games that gain inspiration from Indian culture and folk tales.

Mostly, he emphasized the potential of the Indian toy market. His vision aligns to bring a transformative change in the industry by promoting "vocal for local" under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" campaign.