Far beyond a leisure activity, crossword puzzles offer him a refreshing escape from routine. Meet Kabir Kapoor of Class VII at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, who recently won a commendable performance award at the Math Quest event held in Apeejay School, Saket. In a candid interview, he shares how he got interested in solving crosswords, among other things.
Share something about your recent achievement.
I recently won the Sacred Geometry Crossword Competition, which combines my passion for word puzzles and Mathematics, and it feels really good. It was more important to comprehend the deeper meanings behind patterns and symbols than it was to simply memorise terms.
How did you become interested in solving crosswords?
My fascination started with an innate interest in patterns, whether they be found in nature, art, or mathematics. I was immediately drawn to crossword puzzles because they allowed me to blend creativity and knowledge.
What’s the most challenging part of solving the puzzle?
When you’re stuck on a single clue and it blocks the entire grid, that’s the hardest part. I get past it by standing back, figuring out the simpler clues surrounding it, and then applying reasoning to solve the more challenging ones. In crosswords, patience is essential.
How did Apeejay School support your journey?
Thanks to my school, I was able to investigate competitions outside of the realm of academics. Through activities like crosswords, my teachers supported me, helped me prepare, and most importantly, had faith in my ability to combine enjoyment and education.
How has crossword honed your mental well-being?
For me, solving crossword puzzles is similar to meditation because it helps me unwind, focus better, and keep my mind active. Solving a crossword puzzle relieves stress by making it feel like tackling life’s puzzle piece by piece.
Share a few crossword-solving hacks with us.
Initially, start with the simpler, shorter words. Look for suffixes or prefixes that can reveal the meaning. Above all, just keep trying