“There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls”. This quote of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel throws light not only on the greatness of our country but also on this noble soul who is fondly referred to as the ‘Iron Man of India’. Acknowledging the reverenced tribute given to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by the Union Government of India, Indian Educational School, Bhavans Kuwait hosted an Intraschool quiz competition for its students on October 17, 2019, in the school hall. This quiz was organized at the request from the Embassy of India in Kuwait in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel born in the month, on 31 October 1875.
Mr. Amitabh Ranjan, the Second Secretary, the Embassy of India to Kuwait for Press, Information, Culture and Education wing, graced the occasion along with Mr. T. Premkumar, the principal, IES Mrs. Anselma Tessy, Mrs. Jaemi Byju and Mrs. Lalitha Premkumar, the Vice Principals of IES. The event was formally inaugurated with verbal bouquets of warm welcome extended by Mr. Binoy Mathew, the HoD, Social Studies. This was followed by the formal introduction of the quizzers and quiz masters. The 8 finalists were the crème of the crème who had excelled in the prelims of the quiz contest attended by almost a hundred quiz aficionados.
The finalists of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Quiz are as follows.
•Nevin Noji Vaidyan (8D)
•Jonathan Shaji (9G)
•Ashutosh Bhat (8A)
•Noel Frederic (9G)
•Jananee Ganesan (10D)
•Sheba Rachel Sony (10C)
•Krishna Chillirickal Anil (9D)
•Reyna Mary John (8F)
Then began the battle of wits that rattled the brains of all those who witnessed it, as each contestant seemed to relive the events and moments in the life of this virtuous leader. The mind-boggling quizzing consisting of three rounds unfolded an array of information on the life and achievements of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It went further to indicate the impact that this great personality still has on us. It was least surprising when the combat resulted in a tie for the second place, at the end of the third and final round. As always, destiny favored the bold and the quiz culminated with a great sense of satisfaction. The quiz on Sardar Patel left the young minds ruminating more about the great person, his great sacrifice, his willingness to selflessly serve, and that simultaneously induced a sense of priceless pride in everyone’s heart.
Reyna Mary John (8F) and Krishna Chillirickal Anil (9D) were declared the winners of the quiz contest while Nevin Noji Vaidyan (8D) and Ashutosh Bhat (8A) bagged the second place. The chief guest, Mr. Amitabh Ranjan honored the winners with certificates. The spirit of patriotism seemed to seep into the hearts of everyone when Mr. Amitabh Ranjan, the Second Secretary, the Embassy of India to Kuwait for Press, Information, Culture and Education wing became eloquent on the great contributions of the Iron Man of India. He concluded his speech by reminding the future leaders of India- the patriotic Bhavanites that we cannot call ourselves true Indians or patriots if we failed to acknowledge Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his selfless service to our motherland. In his speech, he also appreciated the management, the staff and the children for their earnest endeavors that paved way for a well-organized quiz contest within a very short span of time. He also encouraged the students to continue with the spirit of quizzing. The chief guest was then presented a memento by the Principal of IES.
The dynamic quiz mistresses of the day who proved themselves to be as good as their questions were Ms. Pushpaja M.P, Ms. Athira Pratap, and Ms. Jezy Joseph of the English Faculty, IES. The very exciting battle of brains was wrapped up with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Sriee Aswathaman, the HoD, French Department.