Indyeah!

This one’s in ‘national interest’,for you travel the length and breadth of the country,revisit its history,get close to its culture,feel the pulse of its people,politicians,understand its core,see the sights and breathe the fragrances. Age’s no bar to be part of the India Quiz,which has absorbed three to seventy-year-olds for the last 52 weeks,as Kishore Sharma gets more innovative and tricky with his questions. The philosophy of the interactive quiz is simple…Apne Bharat Ko Jano…Apne Bharat Ko Pehchano…and the inspiration,smiles Kishore,were various quiz shows on television like Kaun Banega Crorepati,where participants were more at ease answering questions on international events,rather than India. “Just a small indication of how little we know about our own country.’’ This got Kishore,who’s been associated with various art and cultural activities in the city,to send a proposal for India Quiz to NZCC,which was accepted promptly,with a free stage and sound system being provided at Kalagram and so,began the show in 2007. Dr Bharat Bhushan is an integral part of the show,playing the charming quiz master and adding value to the concept,so that the quiz is a platform for youngsters to not just be better informed about India,but get over their stage phobia and feel at ease talking on stage.

“We have participants sing,dance and share a joke and have as many as 250-300 people joining in every week,with many regulars,in fact,it now is a big family. We strive to involve the youngest in the crowd,with the thought that they get used to asking questions,be better informed and not feel shy to speak in public,’’ Kishore spends at least,two hours a day searching for questions in newspapers,magazines,journals,book,the Internet for he needs 30 questions every week and in the process,he’s becoming an authority on India. “There are so many absorbing facts that you get to know about the country,which is unique in every way,’’ Kishore gets the prizes sponsored by his friends,with ever correct answer winning a prize. “Constant encouragement and personality development are our focus,and with constant innovation,the show goes on,’’ Kishore and Bharat calls the shots every Sunday at Kalagram

at 7 pm.