Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 18: Mount Carmel Central School, here bagged the State Level Wild Wisdom Quiz under senior category organized by CBSE in association with WWF, India on the theme of Explore 'Our Planet' held at Surana College premises on October 15.

Vidyuth Ajith Soman (class VI A) and Trevor Lionel Crasto (class VIIIC) are the winners who will now compete with winners from other states in the National level quiz to be held in New Delhi in November. Winners of the National level will further compete with winners of other participating countries which will be hosted by renowned television artist and quiz show host, Cyrus Sahukar.

The 12th edition of Wild Wisdom Quiz (WWQ) organized by World Wide Fund for Nature - WWF began with an anthem specially composed by Neha Raghav, senior education officer. 140 qualifying finalists from six different districts participated in the whole day event. The highlight of this year's quiz was every participant was given the certificate signed by Sir David Attenborough, who is the narrator of 'Our Planet', a groundbreaking eight series documentary in collaboration with WWF, Netflix and Silverback Films.

The initial round of screening was a quick written test with multiple choice answers. The five qualifying teams from the initial round were teamed up representing five different biomes of Our Planet – Grassland & Desert, Freshwater, Forest & Jungle, Frozen World and Oceans. The nail-biting neck to neck contest saw five full rounds including Infinite Bounce, Buzz mania, Friend Finder, Crossword, Up for a Challenge. The audience round saw children jumping up and raising hands to readily answer the questions. It was a fun-filled day from start to finish.

In her welcome note, Soundaryavalli, state-director, WWF-India said, "Wild Wisdom Quiz is one of the many platforms bringing young minds to discuss wildlife conservation. This quiz is more of an experience. The idea is to bring all the schools together, form focus groups and continue the conservation dialogue and to give up some of the habits to give back to Nature." She thanked the parents and teachers for extending their strong support to the children in fulfilling their dreams. Many students and parents pledged to 'Give-Up' single-use plastic and wasting water and food.

Radhika Suri, director, environmental education, WWF-India said, "Wild Wisdom was not just a quiz, but an interactive and a thrilling medium that would pique the interest of children about biodiversity. These steps are essential to build a connection between children and the environment for a better tomorrow."

Praveen Bhargav, co-founder of Wildlife First Chief, who was the chief guest for the day addressed the students by asking questions on Tiger conservation. He expressed his delight by hearing the innovative responses that came out instantly from the children. He further interacted with the students and answered their questions. Some of them said they would like to become forest guards and officials.

Indian Mountaineering Foundation, South Zone extended their support by sponsoring lunch and prizes while Surana College was the venue sponsor for the third consecutive year. The children from the participating schools will get free access to WWF One Planet Academy - An online digital environmental resource with quizzes, projects and a plethora of information on our planet.

Since 2008, WWF is conducting the Wild Wisdom Quiz every year bringing children closer to nature, through amazing stories and wisdom of the wild. The quiz has sparked a passion for nature protection in many young minds; some even go on to become young conservationists and run their campaigns in their schools and cities/towns. The quiz is conducted at four levels – First, the school level, next the state level, then national level and finally at the international level.

Vidyuth Ajith Soman (Class VI A) and Trevor Lionel Crasto (Class VIII C); Adit Maroli (IV B) and Avanti Prasad (IV E) were the winners of the WW Quiz at school level senior and junior levels and all four of them took part in the state level quiz at Bengaluru.

The management, staff, students and parents of Mount Carmel Central School congratulate Vidyuth and Trevor for winning the first prize in WWQ and wish them well at the nationals.