Atryee Ghosal emerges Bangalore's spelling queen

BANGALORE: 'Soiree', 'fuchsia', 'canoe', 'minaret', 'svelte' 'gauche'… Wondering what these are? Just some of the tongue-twisters spelt correctly by young spelling wizards at Radio Mirchi and HDFC Life's 'Spell Bee - India Spells 2013' Season 5, here on Sunday.
Over 800 students from 82 city schools showcased their spelling talent, but Atryee Ghosal, a Class 9 student from Delhi Public School, North, walked away with honours.
"The word 'gauche' will remain my favourite word ever," says Atryee, who won the title after spelling it correctly. While she stole the show with her vocabulary, 13-year-old Aditya Upadhyaya of Carmel School, Padmanabhnagar, wasn't too far behind as the first runner up.
Atryee says, "I never thought I could spell so many words correctly. I realized it only today after winning the title. I came here for fun. I believe in 'que sera sera'," says Atryee, who says reading is the only way to improve one's spellings.
While Atryee is in love with the French language, Aditya loves Mathematics. "English is good, but I enjoy solving equations. When it comes to spelling, I guess it comes to me naturally. If you're in the habit of reading, spelling becomes easy. I started reading when I was in Class II and my first book was from 'Famous Five' series by Enid Blyton. I hold that book very close to my heart even today as it got me into reading," says Aditya.
The Jnana Jyothi Auditorium in Central College was jam-packed with contestants as their anxious parents waited outside.
After putting up a good fight in the written ability test, the top 10 scorers qualified for the stage round. The contestants were given four minutes each to spell 10 words and then the final four were selected for the third and final round. Madhu Boni from Greenwood School (immunity pack winner in the first round) and Vishesh Guru of Purna Prajna School were the other two finalists.
Both Atryee and Aditya will now lock horns with other winners from other cities across the country in the next round. Sixteen winners from the next round (online test) will battle it out for the coveted title in the grand finale in Mumbai next month.
The winner will receive Rs 2 lakh and a trip to Washington DC along with a parent to witness live the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
RJ Sudesh Bhat hosted the event at which author Jahnvi Lakshminarayan was also present.
Love for language
Spell Bee 2012 winner, Samveda Venkatesh, a student of National Public School, Indiranagar, was seen encouraging the participants. "No one can force you to spell; it should come from within. The whole idea is to have fun while you learn the spelling. The city competitions are tougher than the national competition. The mere fact that so many are present here reflects the love people have for language," said Samveda.
Parents had fun too
While kids enjoyed the keen contest, parents had their share of fun too. Many participated in the non-formal spelling contest and won gift vouchers.