The children in three categories — kids, sub-junior and junior — answered questions given by famous Indian quiz master G.S. Pradeep through previously recorded CDs that were released during the event by prominent academics and community leaders.
The sitting exam, the second phase of the three-month-long program, was held in 50 centers all over the GCC with the support of 10,000 volunteers. The mega final will be held on Dec. 23 when 60 top winners will meet Pradeep face-to-face in Dubai.
“It was a cultural and educational celebration,” said Professor Raynold P. Ittoop, chairman of the reception committee, on the huge turnout of Indian children and their families at Mudhilah community center in Jeddah for the quiz program.
Ittoop, who is an English professor at King Abdulaziz University, commended the Saudi authorities for allowing expatriates to hold such educational programs. “It gives our children a good opportunity to interact with others and compete with one another.” Parents were equally happy and commended the organizers for a job well done. “It was fantastic,” said Hyder Mohammed, sales and marketing director of ABC International. “I am happy that my son Faheem had shown so much enthusiasm that he canceled a karate program to attend the quiz,” he said. Basheer Achambat, an accountant, said he had not seen such a huge and well-organized edutainment program.
Some parents had the opinion that the questions for the junior category were tough but students said it would only encourage them to work harder. “I am overjoyed by having had an opportunity to take part in this wonderful event,” said Munawar Muhammad Kavungal, a school student. According to K.M. Haneef, an executive, it gave a rare opportunity for kids and families to interact and socialize. “I am really happy over the successful completion of the second phase, which was the toughest of all,” said Najmuddin Ambalagaden, event coordinator in Jeddah.
The mega quiz, covering students in the 10 regions of Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Salalah and Muscat, offers fabulous prizes worth 1.5 million Indian rupees. The first three mega quiz winners will receive Rs100,000, Rs75,000 and Rs50,000 cash prizes.
