The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) Kanpur Chapter, in collaboration with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur, successfully organized the Annual Prof. N. K. Batra Metals & Materials Quiz 2025 on August 2. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 30 teams representing 15 schools across Kanpur. Aimed at students of Classes XI and XII, the quiz aspires to kindle a deeper interest in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering among young learners.

The program began with a warm welcome by Prof. Niraj Chawake, Chair of the IIM Kanpur Chapter, who emphasized IIM’s pivotal role in promoting innovation in materials and manufacturing. Founded in 1948, IIM continues to lead efforts in shaping India’s global standing in minerals, materials, and metallurgical engineering. Prof. Kantesh Balani, Head of the MSE Department, IIT Kanpur, greeted the participants and reflected on the legacy of Prof. N. K. Batra, a stalwart of the department in whose honour the quiz is conducted. The inaugural session was seamlessly anchored by Prof. Nilesh Badwe, Secretary of the IIM Kanpur Chapter.

One of the key highlights of the event was an insightful and captivating talk delivered by Prof. Rajesh Prasad from the Department of Materials Science, IIT Delhi. Titled “Sinking of Titanic: How Things Deform and Break”, his lecture introduced students to fundamental concepts in materials science, including the ductile-to-brittle transition and creep deformation. Using interactive demonstrations with liquid nitrogen and springs, he explained how material failures contributed to disasters such as the Titanic sinking and the Challenger space shuttle explosion—underscoring the vital role materials play in everyday life. Prof. Prasad’s energy and clarity made the session both educational and highly engaging for the audience.

The quiz competition followed a rigorous multi-stage format, beginning with a preliminary written round that shortlisted 18 teams. These were successively narrowed down through multiple rounds—first to seven, then to four, and finally to the top two teams who competed in the grand finale. The quiz masters—Ms. Bhumika, Mr. Faiz, Mr. Shivam, Ms. Harsha, Mr. Divanshu, Mr. Praveen, Mr. Mushtaq, Ms. Shruti, Mr. Vivek, and Mr. Mohan—kept the audience engaged with their energy and wit.

The first prize was won by Krishneet Kaur and Vardaan Gambhir from Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur. Yashvasin Tiwari and Shambhavi Mishra from Purnachandra Vidyaniketan, Kanpur, were declared runners-up. The prizes were awarded by Prof. Chawake, Prof. Balani, and Prof. Badwe. Both winning teams will go on to represent the IIM Kanpur Chapter at the Brahm Prakash Memorial Materials Quiz 2025, scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, on September 12, 2025.

In his valedictory remarks, Prof. Chawake expressed sincere thanks to the dedicated team of student volunteers and the MSE department staff. The smooth execution of the event was made possible through the efforts of volunteers under the guidance of faculty members Prof. Srinu Gangolu, Prof. Arunabh Meshram, Prof. Nilesh Gurao, and staff members Mr. G. P. Bajpai and Mr. Bhudhveer.