Battle of the smartest at Blockbuster Juniors

Dubai: Gulf News Blockbuster Juniors single was a befitting answer to those who lament reading is a dying habit among Dubai children.

It was an impressive display of knowledge, confidence, wit and humour when the little ones battled it out at the Kilachand Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates on Wednesday for the Junior single title.

There was not a single dull moment in the three-hour show as the smart outwitted the smartest in every round. And the much-needed encouragement came from the enthusiastic audience, mainly the parents and siblings of the participants, who cheered and applauded the children at every single question.

World of knowledge

Reading, the winners said, is what exposed them to the world of knowledge and creates the urge to know more.

"I love reading books. They are a great source of knowledge," said Naven Narayanan, the winner of the first heats. The eight grade student who is a routine winner at various quiz competitions said blockbuster was a very creative and innovative contest, and he felt "at the top of the world" winning it.

"Reading, more reading and having the best reflexes is what make you the winner especially when all the contestants have their own strengths," said Naven an Indian Institute of Technology aspirant.

Pranit Vengsarkar, winner of the second heats, is also an avid reader. His father Sandeep says he actually wants to wean him away from fiction so that he can spend more time in his studies. "He is so hooked to fiction. Recently he has started reading general knowledge books," said Sandeep. According to him, though Pranit gets distracted by electronic entertainment, nothing can kill his love for books.

Sasi Kumar, whose daughter Namitha participated but lost in the third round, said reading has to be forcefully cultivated in young children. "Now, she has started enjoying it and is a good reader," said Sasi.

Audience members Suma Nandkumar and Sanchit Ram won Toshiba DVD Players.