Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Children Toy Foundation Brings Play to Children Across India
Devendra Desai started the Children Toy Foundation in 1986.
He wanted every child to have a chance to play and learn with toys.
He noticed that some children could use toy libraries while others had no toys at all.
The foundation now runs about 485 toy libraries and 11 mobile toy libraries across India.
The mobile libraries travel in vans to children who cannot visit regular centres.
Children can play with board games, puzzles and other toys in groups based on their age.
Playing can help children think, create, cooperate and express their feelings.
The foundation works with schools and NGOs to make these opportunities available to more children.
Devendra Desai founded the Children Toy Foundation in 1986 after seeing unequal access to toys and games.
The foundation has established around 485 toy libraries and 11 mobile toy libraries across India.
Its libraries operate mainly through partnerships with NGOs and schools and offer board games and toys.
Mobile toy libraries use vans to reach children who cannot travel to fixed library locations.
The foundation says play can support children’s problem-solving, creativity, communication, motor skills and emotional development.
- Who
- Devendra Desai and the Children Toy Foundation, with support from schools and NGOs.
- What
- The foundation provides toy libraries and mobile toy libraries so children can access toys, games and play-based learning.
- When
- The Children Toy Foundation was started in 1986; the article describes work continuing over more than four decades.
- Where
- Across India, through fixed toy libraries and mobile toy libraries in vans.
- Why
- To give all children, including those who cannot afford toys or reach libraries, opportunities to play and learn.
- Founder
- Devendra Desai
- Founded
- 1986
- Toy libraries established
- Around 485 across India
- Mobile toy libraries
- 11
- Main partners
- NGOs and schools
- Activities
- Board games, puzzles, toys and other play-based activities
- Stated benefits
- Problem-solving, concentration, creativity, motor skills, cooperation and emotional expression