From a kit that enables kids to learn about rivers in India, to story kits from the Panchatantra, that allow children to hand-print the much-loved tales using blocks, and origami boxes which help delve into the different huts of the country, such as bonga, kath khuni and ikra, Potli’s offerings are diverse
Gujarati costumes kit. Pic/Potli
When you explain a concept to a child, they retain a little bit; you read it aloud with them, they retain some more; but if it’s something they are doing or experiencing, then they will actually absorb it,” reasons Pooja Ratnakar, co-founder, Potli, a Noida-based online and offline store that sells DIY kits to introduce children to Indian heritage and art forms.
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From a kit that enables kids to learn about rivers in India, to story kits from the Panchatantra, that allow children to hand-print the much-loved tales using blocks, and origami boxes which help delve into the different huts of the country, such as bonga, kath khuni and ikra, Potli’s offerings are diverse. The products span across costumes, folk tales, indigenous art, handicrafts, etc, and each kit comes with the raw materials and a guide.
“When we started out a decade ago, we used to hear parents complaining that their kids don’t know anything about Indian culture and heritage. We realised experiential learning can be a great way to engage and teach them,” explains Ratnakar, adding that they share their profits with local craftsmen. Suited for children aged between five and 16, these DIY kits can be a fun way to tune out of the digital world, and contribute to the local artisans’ ecosystem.
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