Sikkim school wins championship in NE Finale of Wild Wisdom Global Challenge, Shillong runner-up

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 24, 2024

Manjusri Public School, represented by Kyorzang R. Bhutia and Hissay Chenchok Bhutia, both Class VIII students, emerged as the champion in the Northeast state finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge Quiz held in Guwahati on Wednesday. Army Public School, Shillong secured the second position, while Sanskriti-The Gurukul School, Guwahati came in third, followed by Maharishi Vidya Mandir IV, Barsajai, and Maharishi Vidya Mandir III, Lalmati.

At the prize distribution ceremony, state coordinator of WWF-India AAPSO, Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya, state secretary of BSG Assam Arunima Devi and Fr. (Dr.) Solomon Denis, SDB, District Commissioner of Don Bosco District Association, presented certificates and trophies to the winners. The champion team from Manjusri Public School will now represent the Northeast in the national competition, scheduled to be held in Delhi in November.

The Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC), launched in 2008, has grown into the world’s largest wildlife quiz, with participation from students in over 95 countries, encouraging environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation awareness. The 17th edition of this global quiz centred on the theme “The Ultimate Scaly Survivalist,” focusing on reptiles. The challenge, aimed at students in grades 6 to 9, featured a variety of learning experiences, including informative resources, webinars, workshops, and quizzes designed to foster curiosity, knowledge, and team spirit.

In the Northeast region, 403 schools registered for the event, engaging 67,746 students from all eight states. Following several online rounds, 280 schools qualified for the Northeast Finale, which took place at Don Bosco School, Panbazar, Guwahati.

A total of 141 schools, represented by 282 students, competed in the final stage. Schools from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Sikkim, and various districts of Assam actively participated, with support from numerous local educational and community organizations. The event continues to inspire young nature enthusiasts to engage deeply with wildlife and environmental issues on a global scale.

The Northeast state finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge Quiz kicked off with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by dignitaries, followed by a welcome song and dance performance by students from Don Bosco School, Panbazar. Archita Baruah Bhattacharyya, state coordinator for Assam & Arunachal Pradesh at WWF-India, emphasized in her speech that the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge is not just a competition but a celebration of knowledge and a commitment to protecting the planet. Bhattacharyya underlined the critical need for reptile conservation, stating, “Through this challenge, students have explored the diversity of reptiles, dispelled myths, and discovered the unique adaptations and behaviours that allow these creatures to thrive. The Wild Wisdom Quiz aims to deepen understanding and appreciation for these remarkable animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.”

Chandrashekhar Azad, Deputy Commissioner of KVS RO Guwahati, praised the efforts of Don Bosco Panbazar and WWF-India in fostering a sense of environmental conservation among young students. He encouraged participants to work diligently towards their goals and take active steps in preserving the environment.

Kishore Moshahary, SDB, Vice Principal of Don Bosco Guwahati, also addressed the gathering, expressing his appreciation for the schools from across the Northeast that participated in the event, highlighting their efforts in promoting environmental conservation.

The competition, conducted by renowned quiz master Abhra Das, was a closely contested event, with students vying for the Northeast Champion title of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge.