Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged start-ups and entrepreneurs to "team up for toys" and said that the country needs to leverage on its rich tradition of local toys and grow its share in the global toy industry. 

In his radio programme, " Mann Ki Baat ", he said whether it was in the field of computer games or toys, all sectors will need to play an important role in “Self-reliant India campaign.”

The Prime Minister said that despite India having a rich tradition of local toys and expertise of talented artisans, India's share in the over 7 lakh-crore global toy industry is very small. " The toy industry in India is very vast and from cottage industries, small industries, MSMEs to large industries , all come under its ambit...To my start-up friends and to our new entrepreneurs I say- Team up for toys and let us make toys together. For everybody it is the time to get vocal for local toys," he added. 

With the growing popularity of computer games in this era of computers and smartphones, the Prime Minister similarly urged the young talent of the industry to focus on not only "making games in India" but also to "make games based on Indian themes.”

Lauding the participants of the " Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App" innovation challenge, Modi asked citizens to familiarise themselves with these indigenously developed apps  and focus on innovation. "Your efforts as today's small start-ups will transform into big companies tomorrow and become mark of India in the world. And you should not forget that the big companies which exist in the world today, were also, once, start-ups," he added. 

With the month of September being observed as the Nutrition Month with  focus on combating malnutrition among kids, the PM said it is crucial to have people's participation in this movement pertaining to nutrition. "In our country during the past few years, a lot of effort has been made in this direction. Especially in our villages, it is being converted into a mass movement with public participation. Whether it is the nutrition week or the nutrition month, more and more awareness is being generated through these measures," he added. 

In his radio address, the Prime Minister noted that with the start of the festival season, festivals such as  Ganeshotsav and Onam during the times of the pandemic are being celebrated with simplicity and discipline and said that there is a close link between environment and festivals.

"Even during these trying times of Corona, our farmers have proven their mettle. This time around in our country, sowing of kharif crops has increased by 7 percent compared to last year. The sowing of paddy has increased by approximately 10 percent, pulses close to 5 percent, coarse cereals almost 3 percent, oilseeds around 13 percent and cotton nearly 3 percent," the Prime Minister added. 

He also lauded teachers for turning the challenges posed by the pandemic into an opportunity by "seamlessly embracing" technology and imbibing newer tools  for  imparting education. "I am confident that the way National Education Policy is bringing about a tectonic shift in the nation and that our teachers will play a significant role in disseminating its benefits to our students," Modi added.  He also urged teachers to apprise their students about India's freedom struggle with a focus on their local surroundings and the role played by the unsung local heroes.

Talking about the role of many brave canines in protecting the country ,the Prime Minister said Indian security agencies are focusing on inducting India breed dogs such as Mudhol Hound Dog and Kombai Dogs in their security squads. "The next time you think of raising a pet dog, consider bringing home one of these Indian breeds,” he added.

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