A university level quiz competition “Between Wars (1924-2014)” was organized by the Mentoring Committee, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with Goethe –Zentrum and Alliance Francaise on 17th September 2014. The Society for Quizzers and Debaters (SQuAD) was central in setting up and executing the quiz. Over 50 teams participated for the prelims held the same day at DST Auditorium.
The prelims was followed by a presentation on higher education by delegates from Goethe –Zentrum and Alliance Francaise. There was a short video from both institutes which elaborated on why France and Germany are good destinations for higher education for Indian students. The six finalists were picked according to their scores in the prelims and this was followed by five rounds which consisted of questions directly and indirectly related to war. The title “Between Wars “was thematically expanded to include art, literature, cinema, science, sports etc. The quiz master Sanjeev Vasudevan held the audience in his grip throughout. It was a vibrant two hours competition that showcased the spirit of students, both finalists and audience, through rounds like Long Visual Connect and Rapid Fire.
The winners of the quiz competition are Vivek G Namboodiri, V M Pranav Chandran and Jennifer Joseph. Surya Abhishek, M Vamsi , Teja Teppala came second while Bipin Sebastian, Jayakrishnan and Nidheesh bagged the third place. The Mentoring Committee, School of Social Sciences, led by Prof Aloka Parasher Sen met across the weeks, planning and delegating duties to both faculty and students. The faculty of different centres and departments within the School of Social Sciences were instrumental in the organized execution of the programme.
Prof. E Haribabu, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, Mr. Jean- Manuel Duhaut, Director of Alliance Francaise, Ms. Amita Desai, Director of Goethe – Zentrum and Prof Aloka Parasher Sen, Dean, School of Social Sciences were present for the valedictory function. Prof Aloka Parasher Sen, in her welcome speech said that the University was able to join hands with two major institutes in the city and she hoped that similar ventures happen in future. Prof E Haribabu spoke on the importance of using knowledge systems for the benefit of humanity and how it should not lead to war and destruction. Mr. Duhaut narrated his own experience of the effects of war on his family. He added that wars never end and therefore it is our duty to work for peace. Ms. Desai pointed out that this quiz was not to commemorate war but to remember those who suffered the consequences of war and stated that awareness is recognition.
The winners were awarded cash prizes by Prof. E Haribabu and Jean-Manuel Duhaut, the SQuAD was felicitated by Ms. Amita Desai and the Mentoring Committee by Prof E Haribabu. Dr. Shaji proposed the Vote of Thanks and High Tea was served.
The presence of a large audience stands as a proof of how campus communities become heralders of peace.
-Sreekala and Ann Mathew