In the bustling city of Mumbai, amidst the vibrant chaos of its streets, resides a true visionary and pioneer in the world of toys: Mr. Rasik Mehta. At the ripe age of 85, Mr. Mehta's eyes still sparkle with the same youthful enthusiasm that fueled his journey over five decades ago.
Born into a humble family, young Rasik was always fascinated by the world of mechanics and engineering. It was during his formative years that he discovered his lifelong passion for Meccano, a construction toy that would later shape his destiny in ways he could never have imagined.
As a young entrepreneur, he ventured into the toy manufacturing business with a bold vision and unwavering determination. Alongside his partners, he co-founded Crown Toys, a company dedicated to creating innovative and educational toys that inspire creativity and learning in children.
During the early 70s, some of his creations like the "Hindustan ki Kassam" a friction-powered military jeep which was launched during the Indo-Pak took the toy trade by storm!
It was his foray into the world of model railroads in the early 80s that truly set him apart. In an era when such marvels were a rarity in India, he became the sole manufacturer of HO-scaled model railroads, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike with his attention to detail and craftsmanship.
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| His HO-scale catalogue from the early 80s |
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| Receiving Toy Awards from film star Hema Malini and the governor. |
Drawing inspiration from his beloved Meccano sets, Mr. Mehta created many successful toys while manufacturing them as an OEM for LEO TOYS. From the whimsical Leo Express to the adorable Cute-A-Pillar and the adventurous Pull-a-Part Jeep, to the range of construction kits under "Technica". Each toy bore the mark of Mr. Mehta's visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
But it wasn't just about business for him. He firmly believed in giving back to society and nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators. He supplied scaled toy store wells to Godrej Boyce and Co., sparking the imaginations of countless children across the country.
Yet, amidst all his professional accomplishments, Mr. Mehta's greatest victory was perhaps the battle he waged against time itself. Despite the challenges of ageing, he remained sharp and agile, thanks in no small part to his beloved Meccano hobby. His dedication to his craft not only kept his mind active but also served as a beacon of hope for countless others facing the trials of old age.
Today, as Mr. Mehta turns 85, he reflects on his journey, he is filled with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude. His vision and passion continue to live on through Toykraft, inspiring generations of children to dream big and reach for the stars.
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