Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised various apps that were part of 'app innovation challenge'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasized on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Apps innovation challenges, stating that India is fast developing mobile applications which are gaining popularity among people.

“We have many different mobile applications that are made in the country - like ‘Koo’ for microblogging and ‘Chingari’ - and these are gaining popularity,” Prime Minister Modi said in the 68th edition of monthly radio programme, ‘Man Ki Baat.’

He further added, “Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge, there is an App ‘#KutukiKids Learning app. This is an interactive app for children in which they can easily learn many aspects of mathematics, science through songs and stories.”

He, however, expressed regret that most computer games which are very popular among young and old are influenced by the West. “We should have India-centric games. We can be 'Aatmanirbhar' in this regard,” the Prime Minister said.

Stressing on making India a hub of the toy industry, he said, “I urge our start-up to team up for toys, this also matches our call for vocal for local. I urge our young brothers to make games in India and also on India.”

He talked about increasing India’s share in the Rs 7 lakh crore global toy industry.

“India's share in the global toy industry is very small. It is not right for us to have such a small share, we have to work towards improving this,” the Prime Minister said

He said, “Some parts of India are also developing as toy clusters, that is, as centres of toys. Like, Channapatna in Ramnagaram (Karnataka), Kondaplli in Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, Dhubri in Assam, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh – there are many such places, we can count the names.”

He said there are many talented and skilled artisans who possess expertise in making good toys. “We have given focus on toys in the National Education Policy too. Learning while playing, making toys etc has been made a part of curriculum,” Prime Minister Modi said.

“During these times, I have been thinking about my young friends. I have been thinking - how can my young friends get more toys. The best toys are those that bring out creativity. How can India become a toy production hub? This is necessary as toys can be used to build minds. Even Rabindra Nath Tagore has spoken about the importance of toys, he added.

Talking about various festivals of India, he said, “There is a strong bond between our festivals and environment. We have many festivals that are related to the protection of our environment.”

“Onam festival is also being celebrated with gaiety and fervour. This festival arrives in the month of Chingam. During this period, people buy something new, decorate their homes, prepare Pookalam, and enjoy Onam-Saadiya. Variety of games, competitions were also held,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi praised teachers for adapting to technology amid the coronavirus pandemic. He also lauded the role of dogs in disaster management, saying, “In India, NDRF has trained dozen such dogs. These dogs are experts in detecting alive persons under the debris in an earthquake or building collapse.”