One of our alumni, Kaivalya Gajanan Karkare (IPM 2017-22) has given us yet another reason to rejoice this summer: by representing IIM Indore at the Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2022, and winning the title of National Joint Runner-up. Here are excerpts from our conversation with him:
Could you take us through your journey in this year’s edition of the Tata Crucible Campus Quiz?
The annual Tata Crucible Campus Quiz is the most prestigious business-quiz contest in India. After clearing 3 preliminary rounds, I qualified for the Madhya Pradesh State Finals of the Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2022.
The Finals were held on Saturday, 21st May and will be aired on Times Now and Youtube soon. All Tata Crucible Finals happen as exhilarating buzzer-based quizzes – meaning you have to buzz and answer questions within 5 seconds with negative points for incorrect answers.
The MP finals of the Tata Crucible see participation from all the eminent national and state colleges of MP – IIM Indore, IIT Indore, NIT Bhopal, NLIU Bhopal, IIITDM Jabalpur, VIT Bhopal, and others.
As far as I know, IIM Indore has remained unbeaten in MP since almost 2007-08. As such, it was a matter of pride for me to have continued this streak by winning the 2021 and the 2022 Tata Crucible MP Finals representing our college. IIT Indore finished runners-up in both, 2021 and 2022.
Having won the MP finals, I am now amongst the Top 24 in India and will be part of the National Semi-Finals (Western India Zone) in the coming weeks.
Who were the judges?
The Tata Crucible Quiz is hosted by Giri ‘Pickbrain” Balasubramanium – one of India’s most well-known quizmasters. The quiz contest is an annual flagship event of Tata Sons.
What did the quiz focus on?
The Tata Crucible Quiz has a strong focus on business history and business current affairs – both India and internationally. Additionally, it also focuses on the science-technology world, general world history, and other related topics.
How was your experience? How did the IIMI curriculum benefit you?
It was a very exhilarating experience! Having been a quizzer since 8th grade in school, quizzing is always something that has been very close to me. It was a great feeling to win the Madhya Pradesh Finals of the Tata Crucible representing IIM Indore, for two years in a row. These have been amongst my most memorable quizzing wins over the past few years.
The IIM-I curriculum with its focus on case studies, business theory & history, and wide range of business-related subjects benefited me significantly in both, the 2021 and 2022 finals. Additionally, IIM-I also has a great student-quizzing culture on campus with events being held across the year, and informal quizzing happening on the Quiz Club whatsapp groups as well.
When is the next round? How are you preparing for it?
Like last year, I am placed in the Top 24 of the country this year as well. The next round is the national semi-finals which will be happening soon. I will be partaking in the Western India Zone. I have started preparing for the same primarily by increasing my reading consumption, and by reading business trivia of a wide nature.
Did you receive any prize money, or any hamper as a winner? Please mention the details.
Yes, I have won prize money of INR 35,000 and gift hampers from Tata Sons.
We wish Kaivalya all the best for the rounds ahead!
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