In a pioneering move to engage the youth with the state's rich legacy, the Kerala government is gearing up to launch a massive statewide knowledge quest. Dubbed 'Vijnana Yatra – Chief Minister's Mega Quiz', this ambitious initiative is set to commence on January 12. It marks the first time a state government in India has undertaken a quiz competition of this scale and vision.
Prize Structure and Categories
The competition is designed to ignite curiosity and reward knowledge across two major segments of the student community. The prize money is substantial, aimed at recognizing academic excellence and deep understanding of the state's journey.
For school students from Classes 8 to 12, the stakes are high. The top winner in this category will be awarded a significant cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The first runner-up will receive Rs 3 lakh, and the second runner-up will get Rs 2 lakh.
In the college and university category, the rewards are equally motivating. The first prize is set at Rs 3 lakh, followed by Rs 2 lakh for the second position and Rs 1 lakh for the third. Beyond the cash awards, all winners will be presented with special mementos and certificates of merit to commemorate their achievement.
Structure and Widespread Participation
The quiz is meticulously structured to ensure it reaches every corner of Kerala, fostering participation from a vast number of students. The competition will follow a multi-tier format, progressing through several levels.
It will begin at the school level, then move to educational district, revenue district, and finally the state level. Initially, at the school level, students will participate individually. However, from the educational district level onwards, the competition shifts to a team-based format, encouraging collaboration.
A similar structure is in place for college and university students, with rounds held at college, district, and state levels, transitioning from individual to team participation leading to the grand finale. To encourage mass involvement, every participating student will receive an online participation certificate. District-level winners will also be honoured with mementos and certificates.
A Festival of Learning and Interactive Engagement
Organized by the Information Public Relations Department (IPRD) in collaboration with the General Education and Higher Education departments, the quiz has a clear educational mission. Its core is to instil social awareness and impart historical knowledge about Kerala's vibrant history of social progress, the renaissance movement, and its modern developmental achievements to the younger generation.
Uniquely, the event is designed to be highly interactive. Starting from the district level, the quiz will actively involve the audience, with prizes offered to spectators who provide correct answers, making it a community celebration of knowledge.
With an expected turnout of five lakh students, the Chief Minister's Mega Quiz is poised to become a landmark festival of learning. It aims to unite the state through the power of knowledge, celebrating Kerala's unique story. For registration and more details, students and institutions can visit the official portal: www.prd.kerala.gov.in.
