News Excerpt: 

According to UNODC, Toys made in Channapatna have become part of children’s academic activities in Afghanistan.

About Channapatna toys:

• The famed wooden toys are made by artisans in and around Channapatna town (popularly known as “Gombegala Ooru” or the “Toy-City” of Karnataka) of Ramanagara district, which is around 60 km from Bengaluru. 
• The craft has diversified over time; in addition to the traditional ivory-wood (“Aale mara”), other woods—including rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak—are now used as well.
• There are over 250 cottage units and around 50 factories that make toys in Channapatna.
• Channapatna toys are ideal for children as the chemical dye is not used in them and they come without sharp edges. 
• The history of Channapatna toys can be traced back to Tipu Sultan’s reign, former ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in the 18th century. He was so impressed with the craftsmanship of Persian artisans that he invited them to train local craftsmen in toy-making. This marked the beginning of the Channapatna toy industry.
• This traditional craft of Karnataka has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Gift to Afghanistan:

• Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission donated Channapatna toys to many children in Afghanistan under the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Over 500 toys made of ivory and wood were sent to children in Afghanistan and the educational and entertainment toys for children aged up to 12 were specially made by local women’s self-help groups. 

• Rs 4.98 crore has been released for the toys cluster at Channapatna. 
• It is a joint venture by the State and Union governments.
• This gifting of toys from India to Afghanistan, speaks of cross-cultural solidarity, the power of traditional crafts for child development, and the commitment to nurturing local livelihoods. 
• According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), hundreds of children in Afghanistan have been affected by drug abuse. 
• Through these Channapatna toys, a bridge of hope and empowerment is forged, bringing India and Afghanistan closer in a heartwarming embrace of shared humanity.