Kanpur, 20 November, 2024: The National Information Centre of Earthquake Engineering (NICEE) at IIT Kanpur successfully conducted the first preliminary round of its annual Inter-School Quiz Competition on Earthquake Tips on November 18, 2024, in Kanpur. This initiative aims to raise awareness about seismic safety among school students, who are the future builders of the nation, and promote an earthquake-resistant built environment.

This year’s competition witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 27 schools registering from 18 cities. Each participating school received 50 copies of Earthquake Tips by Dr. C.V.R. Murty, enabling them to prepare and select a team of four students from Classes VIII to XI for the event. The preliminary round in Kanpur featured seven schools, including Puranchandra Vidyaniketan, Sheiling House School, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanatan Dharma Vidyalaya, and Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kanpur from Kanpur; City Montessori Inter College from Lucknow; DPS Agra from Agra; and Indorama Public School from Amethi.

The quiz consisted of three rounds viz. Round Robin, Picture Round, and Lucky Number Round. The questions were based on the publication “Earthquake Tips” by Dr. CVR Murty. The winning team from DPS, Agra scored 62 points. Meanwhile, a tie occurred between Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanatan Dharma Vidyalaya, Sheiling House School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kanpur, each securing 49 points. Subsequently, an additional Lucky Number Round was conducted, resulting in Sheiling House School finishing in second place with 68 points, while Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Kanpur placed third with 59 points.

NICEE has been organizing this quiz annually for the past sixteen years, reinforcing its commitment to seismic safety education. Schools are approached in March each year, and interested schools receive copies of Earthquake Tips for distribution among students. The preliminary rounds will also be conducted in Ghaziabad and Gwalior.

The competition will culminate in the grand finale on January 26, 2025, at the Outreach Auditorium, IIT Kanpur. By engaging young minds, NICEE seeks to inspire the next generation to champion the cause of earthquake safety and contribute to building an earthquake-resilient future.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.