Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies was selected as a Nodal
Centre by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell & AICTE for hosting Toycathon
2022 physical edition organized jointly by the Ministry of Education in coordination with
five other Ministries viz: Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises, and Ministry of Textiles. The event kick-started on 24th May
with the inaugural address given to the five nodal centers from AICTE headquarters by
senior officials of AICTE and MIC. The inaugural was attended by Prof. Anil
Sahasrabudhe (Chairman AICTE), Prof. M.P. Poonia (Vice Chairman AICTE), Prof. Rajive
Kumar (Member Secretary AICTE), Dr. Abhay Jere (Chief Innovation Officer, MIC) & Dr.
Mohit Gambhir (Director, MIC).
Toycathon focuses on conceptualizing new and innovative toys using local materials
which are economical, affordable, safe, environment friendly, with exceptional high
quality for both Indian and global markets. Toycathon was a continuous 36 hours event
which saw the gracious presence of senior officials of AICTE, MIC and Manav Rachna at
the nodal center for interacting with the students and encouraging them to put the best
possible efforts for converting their toy ideas into working prototypes.
Prof. Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary AICTE; Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor, AICTE; Dr.
Mohit Gambhir, Director MIC; Shri Girish Kumar Bhasin, Senior Account Officer AICTE;
Shri Yogesh Wadhawan, Accounts Officer AICTE; Dr. Sanjay Srivastava (VC-MRIIRS); Shri
R.K Arora (Registrar MRIIRS); Lt. Gen. (Retd.) R.K. Anand graced the Toycathon event
with their presence at Manav Rachna campus. Manav Rachna was the only nodal center
being given the responsibility of hosting students of Track 1 which included Grade VIII-
XII students from PAN India.
Dr. Neeraj Saxena emphasized on project-based learning rather than rote learning. With
the launch of New Education Policy 2020, we need to promote learning across areas in
which our head, hands and heart are involved.
Prof. Rajive Kumar said, “I interacted with the participants at Toycathon and I am
amazed by their enthusiasm, ideas and commitment. Such exposure to students like

interactions and cultural exchange is what our honorable Prime Minister visions.
Toycathon is a perfect example of students exchanging ideas, culture and innovation.”
The two day event concluded with a valedictory ceremony, graced by the Chief Guest
Dr. Mohit Gambhir, Director of Ministry of Education, Innovation Cell; Dr. Pardeep
Kumar, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean FET; Dr, Geeta Nijhawan, Associate Dean, FET
along with Mr. Sarim Moin, Mr. Nitin and Mr. Sourabh from the Ministry of Education
Innovation Cell; Dr. Umesh Dutta, Director, MRIIC; Dr. Abhiruchi Passi, Deputy Director
MRIIC and other senior representatives.
There were 34 teams from all over India, who brought innovation and structure with
scientific temper. Seven teams won for their innovative idea, representation of Indian
heritage and dawning with technological progression. In addition to that, Manav Rachna
also bestowed Appreciation awards to four teams for their creativity and out of the box
thinking.
Team Tatva, Toycoon, Toyscope, Stickathi, Knowledge Hub, Spell Wizard, Untold Stories,
all hailing from different regions including Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha, and
Kerala emerged as winners. The 7 teams along with Certificates of Merit won 25
thousand rupees each.