The pattern was as such: a history question flashed on the screen at National Law University (NLU) in Dwarka, Delhi. The auditorium, full of students from different colleges across the city, filled with tension, whispers, and anticipation. Participants from one of the teams answered correctly and applause resonated across the hall.
The Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR) hosted ConQuest, India’s premier national quiz on history, politics, and the Constitution. This 8th edition drew both undergrad and master’s students from various Delhi colleges. Around 120 students participated in the preliminary round, with six teams advancing to the finals.
Each team comprised three members, making it a competitive learning environment for young minds. The event, led by the Bengaluru-based non-profit, brought students together to engage in topics that shape India’s legal and political landscape.
“Since its first edition in 2016, ConQuest has been known to become the largest quiz and educational activity that celebrates India’s constitutional history and politics. The quiz dives into the key events, people and moments that has shaped the constitution since its 1950 journey,” said Ramani Mohanakrishnan, lawyer and communications associate at CLPR, in a speech.
One of the chief guests, Professor Dr. Abha Yadav, an assistant professor at NLU Delhi, said in an address. “As we near the 75th anniversary of our Constitution, this quiz offers a valuable chance to reflect on our history. Among young people and institutions like NMU Delhi, such a reminder of our past is essential.”
“The Constitution isn’t just a legal document; it embodies much of what we’ve learned. In our digital age, where everything is instantly accessible, preserving and honouring this history is crucial, especially as consumerism grows. Returning to the roots of the Constitution rekindles its spirit within us all,” she added.
CLPR has been organising ConQuest since 2016, with a brief pause during the pandemic. The quiz aims to foster a constitutional culture by leveraging digital public goods and civic education. CLPR’s flagship platform, Constitutionofindia.net, is the world’s most popular online collection of Indian constitutional and political resources, offering materials, analyses, and opinions.
Based on their performance, six teams qualified for the next round of the North Region ConQuest quiz. The teams were from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Lady Shri Ram College (Delhi University), Hansraj College (DU), Department of History (DU), Faculty of Management Studies and Centre of law (DU).
Out of the six teams, the fierce trio from Lady Shri Ram College—Avani, Nidhi and Sakshi—finished first with a whopping 105 points. The runner-up was the Centre of Law, DU. Now these two teams will go to Bengaluru for the Nationals.
Learning through quizzes: students feedback
Participants voiced strong support for organising similar quizzes more frequently, highlighting their positive impact on learning. Many students expressed that the engaging nature of such quizzes enhances the educational experience and helps reinforce knowledge in a dynamic environment.
The team from LSR emphasised that the essence of the quiz lies in “connecting the dots” rather than mere memorisation.
They said ConQuest challenges participants to think critically and analytically, pushing them to apply their knowledge in innovative ways. “It’s not just about recalling facts; it’s about understanding how different pieces of information relate to each other,” they explained.
They voiced a strong desire for more such quizzes, stating that these events not only enhance their knowledge but also sharpen their analytical skills, making them an invaluable part of the learning process. “More quizzes like this would really benefit students, as they encourage deeper engagement with the material and foster a love for learning.”
Collaboration was a recurring theme in student feedback, with many noting the value of teamwork during the competition. “Working together to solve problems fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows us to learn from each other,” another participant from JNU remarked.
This sentiment was echoed by many, who suggested that more quiz events would enhance their educational journey by promoting critical thinking and improving their ability to recall information under pressure.
Additionally, participants appreciated the diverse range of topics covered by the quiz, noting that they extend beyond the standard curriculum. “These quizzes keep us informed about current events and encourage us to explore subjects we might not encounter in our regular classes,” a student from LSR said.
The National Finals will be held in Bengaluru on 6 December.
This article appeared first on ThePrint , our ConQuest digital partner, on 28 October 2024.
