News from NMAMIT | TOYCATHON-2021 GRAND FINALE

Under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Toycathon-2021 was conceived to challenge India's innovative minds to conceptualize novel Toys and Games, based on Bharatiya civilization, history, culture, mythology, and ethos, thus providing a unique opportunity for students, teachers, start-ups and toy experts in India. It was an inter-ministerial initiative that was organized by the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell with support from the All India Council for Technical Education, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Textiles, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. 

NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte was selected as one of the Nodal Centres for conducting TOYCATHON 2021 in a digital mode from 22nd to 24th June 2021. NAIN-NMAMIT stood forward and organized the event.

The 18 teams that took part through NMAMIT Nodal Centre were divided into two groups: GR018 and GR029, with brilliant and proactive mentors & evaluators panel of 5 members each. GR018 panel consisted of Dr. Radhakrishnan Delhibabu as the chairperson along with Ms. Srilakshmi Ravali M, Mr. Neeraj Chauhan, Ms. Niveathitha S, and Mr. Debashis. Panel GR029 comprised of Dr. Sandhya Save as the chairperson along with Mr. T Balaji, Ms. Archana Nanade, Ms. Chetana Hitendra Khairnar, and Mr. Mohammad Anwarul Siddique.

NMAMIT gave a great start to the grand finale of Toycathon 2021 with an inaugural event scheduled at 8 am on 22nd June. The program geared up with the welcome address by the Principal of NMAMIT. The Chief Guest of the day was Ms. Shilpa Bhat, VP, 99Games who gave a very informative address with lots of statistics and strategies to thrive in the gaming and toys industry. The guest of honour Sri. Rohit Punja, Administrator of NMIT, Bangalore, addressed the gathering by congratulating the selected teams and threw light on the importance of games and toys to improve a child's cognitive ability. The president of the event, Shri. Vishal Hegde, Pro-Chancellor (Admin) of Nitte University & Trustee, Nitte Education Trust, motivated the participants through his inspiring speech. The program concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the faculty coordinator of the event, Mr. Shashank Shetty, K-Tech District Innovation Associate - NAIN and Asst. Professor-CSE. 

  
Youtube Link of Inauguration by Nodal Center: https://youtu.be/rKpJ1p9jdUI

This was followed by inauguration at the National level, which was broadcasted live on YouTube by MHRD Innovation Cell. Hon'ble Ministers, AICTE officials, and representatives of the Ministries addressed the participants. 

The teams participated in the mentoring session between 11 am to 1 pm. After taking the suggestions from the panel and improvising their projects, the teams reflected the changes during the Evaluation Session that was held between 4 to 6 pm. The same schedule was followed even on the second day. 

 

The team scores at the end of the evaluation session on the second day were updated to the Toycathon website for the purpose of selection of teams for the Power Jury Round that was handled by the MHRD’s Innovation Council. 280 teams across all the Nodal Centers were shortlisted for the Power Jury Round. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi interacted with a few Toycathon participants from across India.

As the result of the Power Jury that was announced on 26th June on the Toycathon website, 117 teams were declared winners. ‘Bhakt Vanar’ that participated from NMAMIT Nodal Centre, was also among the winners.

NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte conducted a local valedictory ceremony on 26th June 2021. Mr. S. Gopinath, (Former ED, BHEL Trichy) Advisor, NMAMIT, graced the occasion as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he explained the importance of exhibiting our culture and rich heritage through toys and games. Dr. Niranjan N Chiplunkar, the Principal, welcomed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to the NAIN members and student committee for handling this event successfully.

The valedictory session concluded with a vote of thanks by the faculty coordinator of the event, Mr. Shashank Shetty, K-Tech District Innovation Associate NAIN & Asst. Professor-CSE. He mentioned that NAIN-NMAMIT had completed seven years and individually thanked all the faculty and student organizers responsible for the success of this event.

The grand finale of Toycathon 2021 was a grand success. The faculty coordinators for this event were Dr. Nagesh Prabhu, Prof. & Head-EEE; Mr. Shashank Shetty, Asst. Professor-CSE; Mr. Krishnaraja Joisa PRO and Ms. Ankitha Nayak, Asst. Professor-CSE. The student organizers were Mr. Rahul S, Ms. Shravya S Rao, Mr. Sanath R Pai of Final year CSE; Ms. Swathi Shenoy, Mr. Aakash, Ms. Jane Rashmi Fernandez, Mr. Dhanush Nayak of Final year ECE; Mr. Siddharth Shenoy of Final year Mech; Ms. Apoorva Prabhu R and Ms. Bhargavi Nayak of Second year CSE.