If you have a way with words and love to find your way with the help of clues, here's something that will give you both.
"A-Clue-A-Day (ACAD)", an online cryptic crossword contest was launched at a function at Delhi Public School (DPS) here on Friday.
Organised by Extra C, a civil society initiative, ACAD is meant for school students. Since it is an online contest, it gives them a chance to compete with the best crossword brains in the country. This is the second edition of the contest. In its first contest, last year, Sohrab Azam of St Augustine's Day School, Calcutta, had emerged the winner.
State education minister P.K. Shahi graced the launch of ACAD's second edition. "I believe the contest would help in overall development of students to face life's challenges. Reasoning and language are very important tools and this contest tests both," he said at the inaugural event, which was attended by hundreds of DPS students.
Sharing rules of the contest, ACAD programme director Kusharga Singh said: "Students can register for the contest by visiting the website, www.crypticsingh.com. They can also download an application on their android phones to take part. The first 100 correct answers received daily would be given points on a scale of 1 to 100, with the first correct entry getting 100 points. A daily winner would be selected from the correct entries. Also, a monthly leader board would be prepared."
The contest is brainchild of Bihar cadre IAS officer Vivek Kumar Singh, who has to his credit a book on cryptic crosswords.
Speaking about the benefits of solving cryptic crosswords, Vivek, who is principal secretary, environment and forests, said: "Solving crosswords provide a creative avenue to practice not only one's general knowledge and language skills but also to enhance mindfulness, concentration and to sharpen one's focus."
City school students were all praise. "For me, solving crosswords is like unravelling a mystery. I am looking forward to take part in the contest," said Ashwini Raj, a Class IX student of DPS. Preeti Raj, a Class XII student of St Joseph's Convent High School, said: "I'm going to take part and my goal is to earn maximum possible points."
School principals appreciated the initiative. "Solving cryptic crosswords will encourage lateral thinking, which is very much required in this competitive era. The contest is a good opportunity for school students," said St Xavier's High School principal Father Jacob said.
DPS principal B. Vinod urged students to take part in the event. "Solving crossword puzzles gives a sense of personal achievement, which is so vital for personality development," he said.
