The earliest ones included whistles shaped like birds, toy monkeys that could slide down a string and small carts made from materials found in nature such as sticks, clay and rocks. While there might be no disputing India's rich toy-making tradition, the industry is languishing for lack of investment and technology, and also owing to competition from cheap imports. And though it has been listed among 24 key sectors under the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the question remains: will this push help place it in the global game? Currently, 80-odd per cent of the toys sold in India are imported - nearly 60 per cent of them from China.
'At the end of 2020, I was insecure, going through heartbreak, filled with negativity and self-doubt.' 'I had worked so hard over the past few years and suddenly, my career was stagnant.'
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Monday
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Sunday.
Success in sports stems mostly from teamwork. Now and then there comes a captain, on whose singular strength an entire squad makes huge strides. One such titan, now departed for the Elysian Fields, was The Hindu's Sports Editor Srinivasaraghavan Krishnan.
How bridge keeps corporate India sharp and quick-witted.
Saeed Jaffrey lives on through his versatile body of work.
With a medal, a commemoration letter and a pat of encouragement on their shoulders, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday handed the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement to 20 talented and brave children on the occasion of Children's Day.
'What is forgotten but is actually as important for a society's long run success is morality.' 'Morals and trust are the nuts and bolts of an economy.' 'Without those you can get short run success, but not long-run development.'
As we celebrate the spirit of childhood, here are some children who've made India proud.
Rediff.com reproduces the 1997 feature about Laxman, his passion for crows, and of course, his genius.