Musings of a Sunday Evening quiz
There is something redolent in the waters of Goa that makes the environment perfect for quizzing. We are deluged with torrential downpours for half the year; and the other half is spent in sun dappled serenity. The weather adds the secret umami to how we quiz here, how we live here. Life follows a winding rhythm, a gentle slowing of pace that invites one to sit down, take notes, and read a little more.
And much like how our Arabian sea has its moods and
vagaries, I have come to the realisation that a quiz set often reflects the QM’s
state of mind. There is no hiding- their interests are laid bare for the
audience to see. It is an intimate relation really, one that lets you peek
inside their minds and connect at a very unique and personal level.
So, that brings me to the excellent mind of Doc Chandrashekhar,
our QM for last Sunday’s Panjim monthly. If I may borrow a musical metaphor- he
was a maestro, expertly wielding the orchestra of his vast knowledge to compose
a perfect score. There were staccato notes like the connect rounds and thrilling
arias like the rapid-fire round, and then, the crescendos where we collectively
went “Aha” like in the Netflix intro music question. It was a symphony of genres and
tempos that reflected his eclectic taste, and what a good show it was!
For e.g., do you happen to know the difference between judicial and suicidal
hangings? Pity it was not a question in the break neck rapid fire round!
Do I even need to mention the Afsoses? Doc seemed to
have restrained himself before the chai break, but post the added
fortifications, it was Afsos galore! We were cowering under the volley, but
this is now a rite of passage- especially for the new comers who filled the auditorium.
Teams 3 and 6 tied to take the top prize and thus ended a much-anticipated
event on the SEQC calendar. So long till the next time and the next protean QM!
