The Indian bishops’ office for education and culture has for the first time conducted a nationwide quiz involving about 30,000 Catholic school students.

The event marked the 10th anniversary of the All India Catholic Education Policy.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s ‘Education Mastermind’ quiz culminated in the capital, New Delhi, on May 15 following a series of state and regional rounds that began in December.

Some 200 people — including priests, principals, teachers and parents — attended the final, which was presided over by Indian bishops’ spokesperson Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas.

Making students better citizens was one of the objectives of the competition, he said.

Quiz master Nath Mubayi noted that subjects covered ranged from India’s Constitution to the teachings of various religions.

Father Joseph Manipadam, secretary of the Indian bishops’ office for education and culture, said the quiz promoted general knowledge as well as an understanding of social justice, media culture and political systems.

It also sought to get students to reflect on whether their schools are properly following the ‘All India Catholic Education Policy’ goal of bettering the nation and its citizens.

Father Manipadam said the policy stresses provision of a holistic, inclusive and empowering education that respects the rights of children and helps them experience Jesus’ love and compassion.