BeyondBooks: ‘Our teachers made this achievement possible’

He is, at present, studying in Class XI at Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad. He enjoys Mathematics, problem-solving, and challenging questions that make him think deeply. Apart from academics, his hobbies are video editing and playing chess. Chess helps him improve his focus and strategy skills. Meet Harshit. In a candid interview, he talks about a competition where he and his team won second place.

Tell us about the competition. What made you take part?

The competition was to find objects in the least time, and the winner was determined through hint questions. It taught me a lot about perseverance and hard work. Winning was a bonus, but the real reward was the learning journey. I decided to participate because I am very competitive and I enjoy taking part in Science and Math competitions. I like testing my knowledge and learning new things through such experiences.

When you received the first hint, how did your team figure out the answer?

When we read the hint about measuring the radius of thin wires, we quickly connected it to Physics. We knew that a screw gauge is used to measure very small dimensions, like the thickness or diameter of wires. Since we had revised these concepts well, we were confident about the answer.

What was your team’s strategy for solving all 12 hints within the given time?

Our strategy was simple. Solve fast and solve accurately. We knew that speed alone was not enough, so we focused on being correct as well. We tried to stay calm and avoid confusion so that we could complete all 12 hints within the time limit.

Was there any particular hint that felt especially challenging or confusing?

There was a device mentioned in one hint that was not in our syllabus. We were confused between an ammeter and a voltmeter at one point. After revising the concept in our minds, we were able to clear the confusion and move ahead.

How did your team divide responsibilities among members while searching for the objects?

In the beginning, we decided that the most confident member would start first. Since we did not know much about how the competition would go, we wanted a strong start. We made an order based on confidence and subject clarity so that each member could perform at their best.

What did you enjoy the most about the competition?

I enjoyed the teamwork the most. The hints were written on papers and some of them were empty, which made it interesting. One of our team members picked most of the empty ones. After that, he told us not to pick the optical lenses because those hints were empty. We supported each other, and that made the experience fun and exciting.

Is there anything you would do differently if you participated again?

I would unfold all the hints quickly first. After checking their serial numbers, I would plan the order in which to solve them. I would try to finish the competition even earlier, just like the winning team did.

What kind of help did you get from the school?

I give full credit to our teachers who taught us everything and prepared us well. Because of them, we were able to achieve this position. I am also thankful to my team members who supported each other throughout the competition.