Faisal Aboobacker Ponnani DAMMAM — International Indian School, Dammam girls' team triumphed in the first patron's medal quiz India contest (2013-14) held in Riyadh at the Indian Embassy's auditorium on January 17. The girls' team comprised Ramasa,Tuba Mohsin and Sree Vidhya won the rolling trophy, medals and prizes, marking their victory among the four teams in the final.
The first runner-up position was attained by International Indian School Riyadh boys' team which comprised Mohammad Amin, Richy George and Mohammad Yousuf Salman. IIPS-Riyadh boys Lean, Yousuf and Akshay won the second runner-up position and IIS Buraidha girls Amal Basima, Swathi Sendhil and Misbah are the third runners up. The first ever patron's medal quiz India contest was conducted in three stages: Quarter Final, Semi Final and Final. Eighteen teams participated in the Quarter Final stage, each school fielding two teams consisting of three boys and three girls from grades nine -12. The Quarter and Semi Finals were conducted at International Indian School, Dammam in the third week of December. Top four teams competed in the final contest. The topics for the contest consisted of ancient India, medieval India, Indian national movement, Indian Culture and Heritage, India since independence, national symbol and Insignia, electoral system of India, international relations: India's Foreign Policy and Relations, Business and Economics: Five Year Plans, Sports, Indo Saudi Relations / History and Current Affairs, Awards (India), First in India, Great Personalities of India to Current affairs. The winner will be felicitated during the Republic Day celebrations which will be held at the Indian Embassy, Riyadh on January 26.
Lt Col J A Rocque, executive secretary of Higher Board and Principal Incharge, IIS Dammam was the chief coordinator of the Interschool Quiz India contest. An organizing committee consisting of Dr Irfan Wahid (Quiz Master), Ahmed Azad, Israr Khan, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Shiyas and Yogesh Tamboli managed the event. Hamid Ali Rao, the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia congratulated the participants and distributed the prizes to the winners and runner-up teams. Chairman of IIS Dammam managing committee Thirunavukkarasu, and M.C. members, Principal and Head of the Institution Dr. EK Mohammed Shaffe, Principal In-charge Lt Col Julius Rocque congratulated the winning team and appreciated the efforts of the faculty and the quiz organizing committee. The patron's medal quiz India contest is an annual event organized under the patronage of the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom who is also the patron of the Indian community schools in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this contest is to motivate students to know about their home country and host country and to provide them an opportunity to enhance their knowledge through competitive spirit. It also intends to instill a sense of patriotism in students. — SG
