Channapatna toys now part of educational activities in Afghanistan
Bengaluru: Toys manufactured here in Channapatna have now become a part of the educational activities of children in Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs has been jealous of some toys in Afghanistan for some time as a friendly gesture. This traditional craft of Karnataka has received the Geographical Indication (IG) label.
The famous wooden toys are made by artisans in and around Channapatna town, which is in Ramanagara district, about 60 km from Bengaluru. Channapatna has more than 250 units of cabanas and about 50 factories manufacturing toys.
According to a publication shared by the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Afghanistan has seen hundreds of thousands of children affected by drug abuse in that country.
“We are making efforts through the support we have received and through the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, toys donated by the Rural Livelihood Mission of Karnataka State have reached many children in Afghanistan,” he said.
Mission director Srividya PI told The New Indian Express that they have been sending more than 500 toys made of marble and wood to children in Afghanistan for some time now. These educational and entertainment toys for children up to 12 years were exclusively manufactured by self-help groups of local women.
“These toys are from the people of India for the children of Afghanistan,” he said. The Ministry of External Affairs had placed orders for the toys.
Srividya said Channapatna toys are ideal for children as they do not use chemical colors and do not have sharp edges.
Son is completely safe. Keeping these factors in mind, the toys were selected and sent to Afghanistan, he said.
Srividya said he has released Rs 4.98 million to the toy group in Channapatna. It is a joint venture of the state and central governments.
“We are helping local artisans through online, offline and other marketing platforms. The toys manufactured here are of good quality and can be sent to other countries”, said Srividya.
