Child-care experts and industry leaders reinforce irrefutable value of play as aid to growth & development of children at Spielwarenmesse dialogue

Mumbai, Sept 9:'Toys are are one of the effective tools that contribute to a child’s overall development in shaping their aptitude and personality, say toy industry leaders and prominent experts in child care. Delivering their opinion at the second edition of Spielwarenmesse Dialogue, the experts underlined that playtime with toys is always a comprehensive learning process for children. Moderated by Vivek Jhangiani from The All India Toy Manufacturers’ Association (TAITMA), the panel comprised Prof Rajani Konantambigi, associate professor at Centre for Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences; Shweta Chari, founder, programme director for Toybank and Katharina Janotta, managing director, Spielwarenmesse India Pvt Ltd. Addressing the need for increased conversations and concerted action, Prof Konantambigi said, "Play is the way children engage with world. Adults view it as 'play' and therefore as trivial. Play is a serious cognitive and learning activity for the child. All adults need to facilitate play." "The impact on the development of a child’s character and education is treasured by the United Nations in the child’s right to play. Article 31 demands that the state parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity," she added. Ms Chari said, "At Toybank we fully propagate the Right to Play for all children. I entirely believe that Play is for the mind what nutritious food is for the general well-being of an individual. Our organisation stands on the ethos of what Frederick Douglass had once said it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men (and women). This, we believe, can be entirely done through play at childhood level. The Power of Play cannot be underestimated at any given point. We hope and believe that the 47,000 children we work with at Toybank on a daily basis through play will grow up into stronger, well-rounded and most importantly, better human beings." Katharina Janotta, managing director, Spielwarenmesse India Pvt Ltd, said, "It is critical, therefore, to educate people about the indisputable role that toys play in childhood development. To emphasize the importance of value of play...." Ishmeet Singh, country manager - India at Mattel Inc, said, "... we seek to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children through play. We understand that for every child, toys and playtime are critical aspects that contribute to their overall growth and learning. We ensure that our toys are designed to aid the development of physical, social and cognitive skills through the various stages of childhood. Our design is deeply rooted in research-- one that recognizes the true value that the toy brings to a child’s life. And, we continuously strive to raise awareness among consumers about the intrinsic role toys and games play in the holistic development of a child." The discussion set the stage for the fifth edition of Kids India, scheduled to take place from September 20-22, that will bring together the most innovative, best-in-class and widest variety of toys and games. UNI