At Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a tradition. Continuing this legacy, Aabhas Sahu, a Class 10 student, has made his school proud by securing the first position at the state level in the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) competition. Aabhas’ remarkable achievement earned him a cash prize, along with a trophy and certificate. In this interview, Aabhas shares his journey, preparation strategies, and what this achievement means to him. Read edited excerpts:
How does it feel to win the VVM at the state level?
It felt amazing to have my name announced as the first position holder. I was both excited and surprised when I received the award. I immediately shared the trophy with my parents and thanked them for registering me for this competition.
For those unfamiliar, could you explain what the VVM competition entails?
Sure! VVM is a national initiative by Vijnana Bharati in collaboration with NCERT and NCSM. It’s designed to promote scientific thinking among students. The competition includes multiple rounds: a theory exam, a puzzle, MCQs on a pre-informed topic (this year it was Ayurveda), and practicals in physics, chemistry, biology, and math. Each section is challenging and contributes to the total score of 100 marks.
What did you find most challenging about the VVM competition?
The theory exam was probably the toughest part. Some questions were of a higher level, but I had prepared thoroughly, so I managed well. Surprisingly, the chemistry practical, which I thought hadn’t gone well, turned out to be a strong point for me. The examiner’s encouraging feedback really boosted my confidence.
How did you prepare for the competition?
I started with the basics and gradually moved to advanced concepts. Last year, I also participated in VVM, which piqued my interest in science. For this year’s competition, I focused on theory and practicals equally. Learning about Ayurveda was particularly fascinating—it highlighted how advanced our ancient scientific practices were.
What are your interests outside academics?
Apart from academics, I enjoy playing basketball and chess. In my free time, I like to read books; I’ve recently enjoyed series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Spending time with friends and family is also something I cherish.
What are your future aspirations?
I plan to pursue the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in higher classes. I’m keen on exploring fields related to science and technology.