A New Era of Quizzing for Curious Minds
The era of iconic quiz shows like Derek O’Brien’s Bournvita Quiz Contest and Siddhartha Basu’s Mastermind might be a cherished memory, but reviving the spirit of quizzing could be the need of the hour. This notion inspired Raghav Chakravarthy, a former law intern under Justice S Muralidhar, to embrace his passion for quizzing, leading to the creation of his book, Ready for the Law Challenge: Law Quiz for Curious Minds.
The Origin of a Quizzing Passion
Chakravarthy’s journey from a law intern to a quiz aficionado was marked by an unexpected decision to leave his internship for a quiz tournament in Sweden. This experience sparked a lifelong interest in quizzing, nurtured during family dinners and further developed during his law studies in Pune. Together with Sachin Ravi, Chakravarthy founded QShala in 2014, a platform that has since organized numerous quizzes.
Justice Muralidhar, then Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, played a pivotal role in this journey by suggesting the creation of a law-focused question bank, further encouraging Chakravarthy’s vision. This collaboration led to the establishment of a nationwide quiz, “AmiQuiz Curiae,” which culminated in New Delhi in March 2023, coinciding with the 75th year of the Constitution of India and the Supreme Court.
The Significance of Quizzing in Law
In the foreword of Chakravarthy’s book, Justice Muralidhar emphasizes that quizzing stimulates curiosity, a crucial element for a thriving democracy. He cites the MKSS movement in Rajasthan as a testament to the power of inquisitive questioning, which eventually paved the way for the RTI Act. Muralidhar asserts that a strong judiciary, dedicated to accountability, is necessary for enforcing such inquiries.
Engaging with the Law Through Quizzing
Chakravarthy’s book, Ready for the Law Challenge, serves as a bridge to bring law quizzes into everyday life. Unlike traditional quiz books, it spans 190 pages divided into 12 chapters, each offering a thematic exploration of legal topics. From “We, the People” highlighting the Constitution to “The Final Word” on landmark judgments, the book covers diverse intersections of law and culture.
The book’s innovative approach includes chapters on law in literature and film, encouraging readers to engage deeply with these mediums. Chakravarthy believes that this intersection fosters multidisciplinary thinking, crucial for legal professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Building a Culture of Inquiry
Chakravarthy underscores the importance of maintaining curiosity in the legal field. He suggests that quizzing can offer a refreshing break for lawyers, helping them stay informed about global developments. Through engaging questions and trivia, the book not only educates but also inspires readers to delve deeper into the stories behind legal terms and trailblazers.
As Chakravarthy continues to promote quizzing through QShala, he encourages participation in local quiz communities and pub quizzes as a way to remain connected and invigorated. For legal professionals, quizzing presents an opportunity to sharpen their inquiry skills while keeping abreast of the ever-evolving world.
