The State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) Jammu & Kashmir, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director SCERT J&K, proudly announces the remarkable success of Toycathon 2023.
This initiative, the first of its kind launched by any SCERT in India, saw the enthusiastic participation of approximately 125,000 students from Jammu and Kashmir. These students created innovative, educational, and culturally rich toys and games, in line with the vision of promoting “Make in India.”
As part of this initiative, SCERT J&K organized two-day design registry workshops in collaboration with the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) for the finalists of Toycathon 2023. The workshops aimed to motivate students to protect their toy designs under Design Rights by CGPDTM. From Jammu Division, 34 students participated, resulting in 51 applications filed. From Kashmir Division, 57 students participated, filing 64 applications. In total, 115 applications were filed, supported by the IP Mitra program of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). These applications were successfully registered, and registration certificates were generated.
In recognition of their achievements, 57 students from Kashmir Division were awarded Certificates of Registration of Design by The Patent Office, Government of India. The felicitation ceremony was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director SCERT J&K, and Sanjay Bhattacharya, Joint Controller of Patents and Design, Kolkata. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board (TDB) – Department of Science and Technology (DST); Professor A. Ravindernath, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir and Director of NIT Srinagar; Professor Najeeb u Din, Head of IEDC; Shri Deshraj Sharma, General Secretary Vidya Bharti (NZ); Shri Vijay Nadda, Organizing Secretary Vidya Bharti; and Shri Balkrishan, Joint Organizing Secretary Vidya Bharti.
The student design creators were felicitated during the two-day National Conference on “Role of Academic Driven Start-ups in Developing Economy of J&K” (RASE 2024), held on June 29-30, 2024, at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hazratbal, Srinagar. Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas remarked, “These young innovators have shown incredible talent and creativity. Their designs highlight their commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.”
The conference was inaugurated by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who praised the students and emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and technical skills for the future of the Union Territory. On the second day, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, and Public Grievances, visited the Toycathon 2024 stall. He applauded the efforts of young talent and offered valuable suggestions.
Looking forward, Toycathon 2024 was launched by SCERT J&K on May 18, 2024, under the theme “Promotion of Innovative Ideas and Revival of Local Culture & Heritage.” Registration for TOYCATHON 2024 is now open, offering a unique opportunity for students from classes 6th to 12th to showcase their creativity and innovation in toy design. This initiative aims to contribute significantly to the development of the toy industry and highlight the crucial role of play in the holistic growth and development of children.
