The result was a thick, bound encyclopedia that contained a painstaking and exhaustive list of scientists, other useful information and even a bibliography - true encyclopedia style. Megha Upadhyay of K.V. Ganeshkhind who won the second prize was equally ecstatic. This class nine student got her information out of NCERT and Manorama Year books and thoroughly enjoyed doing so every step of the way. ``I feel very happy that I won, and I had worked hard for it,'' said Upadhayay. She was also one of the few students who did not use the internet for obtaining information.

Munira Dhariwala of St Anne's, another class nine student who won the third prize did in fact use the net for her purposes. She also visited libraries, looked up reference books and encyclopedias, and worked diligently in the vacations. She also received guidance from her uncle. Sandeep Sahney, a class nine student of Kamal Nayan Bajaj High School, Chinchwad, who got a consolation prize of a wristwatch said, ``I am disappointed at not being first. However, I am happy with what I have got. This quiz gave me a lot of information on the scientists. It is only because of Quest that I was able to come across so may scientists and their contributions in the field of science.''

Sahney said that his curiosity to know more was aroused when he heard about the contest in his school. After deciding to participate in the Quest, the ninth standard student just exhausted the library of Jnana Prabodhini on all the information that he could collect on the various scientists.

Another student of the same school and class as Sahney's, Priyanka Shitole, who also won a consolation prize said that, ``I am not satisfied with my performance. I want to aim higher and higher. I will give my best when I participate in the next Quest series.'' Shitole had consulted the school library and got a lot of help from her parents and cousins to collect additional information on the scientists.

Sanjay Gudi of Vidya Niketan High school, Pimpri, who also won a consolation prize said, ``I am feeling great although I did not win the first prize. I used to spend at least an hour during weekends on my scrapbook.'' Gudi consulted a science book Inventions that changed the world to gather additional information. He added that after taking part in the quiz, he had learnt to ``develop a scientific temper and how to do things in a positive manner.''

A good news for all those hopeful and enthusiastic kids, seeking another such competition that not only showcases their creativity, but also opens up knowledge vistas, The Indian Express will soon launch the next series of Quest. The new series will be called `Badge's of Honour', starting September 1. Judging by the response for this year's Quest,the next Quest too promises to generate enthusiasm and commitment amongst the student community.