Our country India is a land of great diversities and each region has its own unique art and handicrafts to showcase. Karnataka’s Channapatna toys are also one of them and are known for their simplicity, grace and elegance. Channapatana, a taluka in Ramnagar district of Karnataka, lies as at a distance of 60 kms from the state capital Bengaluru and 80 kms from Mysuru. The toys are made from locally available special ivory wood; painted in natural colours which makes them attractive and appealing and sought after by people of all ages. The toys have made a mark for themselves and added another feather in the cap of the state. Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, the citizens of the country should be proud of the beautiful art made locally and must buy them and replace foreign made ones. Channapatna’s toys showcase the rich cultural heritage of the southern state of Karnataka. They are free of plastic and cause no harm and damage to the environment and also to the health of the people buying them. They are meant for all age groups; babies can safely play with them; younger and older children also like them; they are used as wall hangings; they make excellent home decorative items; are gift items for the common man and corporates, and are gifts suited for all occasions. The people of the country should come together and support local arts, crafts, and items unique to the diverse geographical regions of the country. PM Modi, on the 74th Independence day address from the Red Fort in New Delhi, spoke highly and underlined the importance of Atma Nirbharta (self reliance). He has given a loud and clear message for the people to follow and ‘Vocal for Local’ is the road ahead to be taken by all responsible citizens. As the Channapatana toys are a cottage industry and manufactured at home and the family members specialize in different aspects of toy making. Some of the families make more than 100 different items and their products available in all major cities of India. They are exported to different countries like Germany, Spain, United Kingdom (UK) and USA.

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