S. Vibhav is a class 7 student who has won the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge International Final held online on 2 December, 2021. It was conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Here’s what S. Vibhav had to say about his hobbies and interests, how he stays motivated, his dream job, Tinkle, and more!

Hi Vibhav! To start off, tell us about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes? 

Thank you for having me here. I like to read and learn about nature and animals. It has gotten me interested in wildlife. I also love to play cricket with my friends and watch television. I like watching IPL matches, especially. Now, I am trying to learn Carnatic music, specifically vocals. I enjoy practising it.

We recently learnt about your achievement at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge. How did you enter the world of wildlife quizzing? And, how did you find out about this challenge?

I used to visit a lot of zoological parks with my father and see many animals. My father used to share information about all the animals we saw. So I thought I would give quizzing a try when I was in class 3. My dad also encouraged and supported me. The first time I tried, I got selected for the quiz, but I didn’t win. I tried and failed to win in class 4 as well. But finally in class 5 I was able to win the state-level challenge. That was 2019. After that, when I was in class 6, the lockdown happened, and it shifted to an online mode. This time, I got selected in the school level but did not get anything in the national level. And now the streak of constant trying and not winning has been broken! It took me two tries, and the third time was the charm.

How do you learn and explore about the animals you like? How did you develop your understanding of zoology and wildlife at such an early age?

I used to visit zoos and wildlife sanctuaries almost every year; 15 times in 8 years, to be precise. I got to know a lot about animals from zoos, and wildlife shows like the ones on National Geographic. That channel shows animals that I might never get to see in a zoo.

What helped you stay determined and focused when you were preparing for and participating in different stages of this quiz and other quizzes?

I would say it is my love for nature, flora and fauna, that helps me stay motivated. Moreover, my father has helped me greatly in my achievements, as well as my studies.

Do you believe your quiz experiences have taught you something important, or helped you in your day-to-day life as a student?

I saw that it took a lot of levels to win a quiz like this, but that every year, the levels of the quiz got easier. These quizzes were hard, and no one wins on the very first try. It’s the same with studies or anything else.

Would you like to tell us more about your hobbies and interests, things you do in your free time? 

I like watching television, practising Carnatic music, playing and watching cricket (especially IPL matches), and learning about animals and nature.

Have you ever thought about what you want to do when you grow up? If so, tell us a bit about that.

I want to be a zoologist and a conservationist like David Attenborough!

Who’s your favourite Tinkle Toon? No wrong answers! 

My favourite Tinkle Toon is Shambu! He’s just so funny.

Finally, if you have anything to say to our readers, go ahead and share!

I just have two things to say. Firstly, we should reduce our carbon footprint and food wastage. Otherwise the future generation won’t be able to enjoy the world. It is our responsibility to protect the world. There is only one planet we can call home, after all. Secondly, if you’re passionate about something, practice it everyday, for years. Spend some time focusing on those activities.

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