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Clapstore Toys makes big splash with all shark deal
MUMBAI: In a world dominated by screens, two young entrepreneurs are redefining playtime! Yash Thombare (22) and Vedang Nalawade (21) from Pune are on a mission to bring the joy of real-world play back to children. With their brainchild, Clapstore Toys, launched in 2020, they’ve created educational toys designed to engage kids aged till six years while fostering essential skills. Already impacting over 50,000 families across India, their success story is gaining momentum.
In the latest season of Shark Tank India 4, Thombare and Nalawade took centre stage with their innovative product – the portable busy boards. A first in India, these boards aim to captivate young minds with hands-on, screen-free learning. The Sharks were initially intrigued but skeptical until they saw the product in action. After a heartwarming live demo with kids, the duo’s pitch gained traction. Seeking Rs 80 lakh for four per cent equity, the founders struck a sweet deal: Rs 1 crore for 10 per cent equity, backed by all five Sharks!
“The Sharks’ feedback was invaluable,” said Thombare and Nalawade. “Their mentorship will accelerate our growth and help us make our innovative toys more accessible to families across India.” Their victory on Shark Tank is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of real play and their mission to enrich childhood development through screen-free toys.
So, what’s next for Clapstore? With the support of the Sharks, this dynamic duo is ready to scale up and take their vision even further.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
