A Student-Led Revolution in Learning
In Odisha, a quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape of academic competition, driven not by a large corporation, but by the passion of a group of students. Quizzard, a student-run organization founded in 2017, has successfully cultivated a grassroots movement centered around its flagship event, "Synapse: The Junction of Qriosity." What began as a modest contest has blossomed into the largest and most influential school quiz in the region, fundamentally changing how thousands of students, teachers, and parents engage with knowledge.
From Passion Project to Regional Phenomenon
The growth of Synapse has been nothing short of explosive. From its inaugural event in 2017 with just 79 participants, it has scaled up dramatically, with its most recent editions in 2023 and 2024 each attracting over 1,100 students for the main event alone. This remarkable expansion is the result of a dedicated, 100-plus member student committee that has worked for nearly a decade to build the event's reputation and reach.
Over the years, Synapse has continuously evolved. It introduced separate junior and senior categories to cater to different age groups, and during the pandemic, it successfully pivoted to an online format to keep the spirit of quizzing alive. This journey of growth has transformed Synapse from a local Cuttack competition into a major fixture on Odisha’s academic calendar, reaching over 100 schools and junior colleges.
A New Philosophy of Quizzing
What truly sets Synapse apart is its core philosophy. The organizers have made a deliberate effort to move away from traditional quiz formats that reward rote memorization. Instead, they focus on crafting "workable" and enjoyable questions that encourage lateral thinking, problem-solving, and team spirit. The goal is not just to test what students know, but to make the process of learning and discovery an exciting and interactive experience for both participants and the audience.
A cornerstone of this inclusive approach was the introduction of an exclusive quiz in the Odia language. This pioneering move broke down linguistic barriers, opening the doors of competitive quizzing to students from vernacular schools who were previously excluded. By creating a platform where curiosity and knowledge are celebrated in the regional language, Synapse has made quizzing more accessible and representative of the entire student community.
Building a Community Around Curiosity
Synapse is more than just a one-day event; it is the culmination of a year-round effort to build a vibrant quizzing culture. The Quizzard team conducts numerous workshops and interactive sessions in schools and colleges, reaching thousands of additional students and igniting their interest in knowledge-based activities.
The event itself is designed as a high-production "quiz show," complete with professional hosting, audio-visual elements, and buzzer rounds, creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining. To further foster an inclusive environment, special awards are given to the best all-girls team and the school with the highest participation, actively encouraging broader engagement. Through this holistic approach, Synapse is not just finding the brightest young minds; it is building a lasting community founded on a shared love for curiosity and learning.
Event Highlights
- Student-Driven Success: Synapse is the flagship event of Quizzard, a highly successful student-run organization that has transformed the quizzing landscape in Odisha.
- Explosive Growth: The event has grown from 79 participants in 2017 to over 1,200 in its latest edition, becoming one of the largest school quizzes in the state.
- Inclusive and Innovative Format: The quiz champions a philosophy of lateral thinking over rote learning and has broken new ground by introducing an exclusive and popular Odia-language quiz.
- Community and Culture Building: Beyond the main event, the organization focuses on workshops and inclusivity initiatives to build a widespread and accessible quizzing culture.
