At the time of Covid -19 pandemic fear migrants are returning to their native villages by. A major humanitarian situation India is facing. In this situation the Railways have distributed toys to children of migrant labourers to make them happy and memorable.
In a novel gesture Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway distributed over 700 world famous Channapatna toys to children who have boarded Shramik Special trains since Monday.
This initiative is the brainchild of Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Ashok Kumar Verma and is to bring smiles on the face of these hassled children.
Lakhs of migrants are going back to their native places and railway has arranged special trains from Information Technology city Bengaluru.
A press release issued by the South Western Railways said many Kids Toy Store and other agencies have sponsored this initiative and joined hands with Railways in making the train journey of migrant labourers and their families happy and memorable during Covid-19 crisis.
Channapatna lacquerware toys are GI (geographical indications, approved by the government) tagged and world famouse.
These toys are safe and good for children as they are made of wood and natural colours. These toys are atarctive and safe for the children.
Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna near Bengaluru .
The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of Mysuru province, who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. The initiative of the railways is also to support local art and craft of Karnataka and encourages business of local artisans and artists.