university challenge india
The following are the official profiles of the UK universities and teams taking part on University Challenge India. Although these photographs are unrepresentative of what most of us look like, they were the ones submitted to British Council India (so you cannot complain!) Unofficial profiles of team members can be found here (e-mail me for username and password).
Founded by Queen Victoria in 1845, Queen's University Belfast has a long and distinguished history of academic achievement. The University is situated in the leafy suburbs of south Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and has developed from the glorious Lanyon building that forms the focal point of the University.
The University has 18,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The international outlook of Queen's is evidenced by the fact that a high proportion of its academic staff are from outside Northern Ireland. The Chancellor is the US statesman, Senator George Mitchell. The Canadian-born Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir George Bain, has had a distinguished career in academic leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. Queen's graduates are making their mark all over the world in fields as diverse as physics, surgery, civil engineering, agriculture, archaeology and music. Currently over 1100 of the University’s students come from outside the British Isles with a growing number coming from India.
 Alan McBride (captain)
Age: 31
Educational
Background: B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry, Queen's University Belfast 1995.
Ph.D. (Cantab.) Biochemistry, Downing
College, Cambridge 1999.
Currently reading Law (B.Leg.Sc.).
Hobbies: Playing cello, Mackintosh architecture and furniture, Baroque music, web design.
3 Words that
best describe you: Artistic, focused, feisty.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I am really looking forward to returning to India, taking part in the show and promoting Queen's University, Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. It should be interesting to see if there are any differences in how the show is recorded in Delhi v the UK show."
 Ciaran McGee
Age: 22
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.) Ancient and Modern History, St Anne's College Oxford 2002.
Hobbies: Golf, tennis, reading, cinema, music.
3 Words that
best describe you: Tense, talkative, conscientious.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I feel it's a wonderful opportunity to take part in a quiz show
enjoyed by millions, and to visit a country of such huge historical and
cultural significance."
 Caroline Magennis
Age: 21
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.)
English, Queen's University Belfast 2003 and will begin studying for an M.A.
Hobbies: Cinema, music, writing/composition.
3 Words that
best describe you: Ubiquitous, fearless, open-minded.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"To begin with I was a bit daunted because I haven't really traveled
outside of Europe. But since reading about the country I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to visit it."
 Thom Kerr
Age: 31
Educational
Background: LLB, Bristol University.
B.A. Archaeology, Queen's University Belfast.
Reading for a Ph.D. in Archaeology.
Hobbies: Reading, cinema, socialising, sport, choral singing, archaeology.
3 Words that
best describe you: Garrulous, forthright, honourable.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I am very excited about taking part in UC India, both for the opportunity of being in the Sub-Continent, and also to be able to represent my region of the UK. Hopefully we won't embarrass ourselves in front of the biggest TV audience in the world!"
The University of Edinburgh is one of the UK's leading universities. Founded in 1583, it has attracted international students for over four centuries. For teaching and research, it is considered one of the leaders in the UK, Europe and beyond. Edinburgh is one of the UK's larger, more diverse universities with a current student population of around 21,000 (16,000 undergraduates & 5,000 postgraduates). About 4,000 of these students are international, from 130 different countries.
 Simon McArthur (captain)
Age: 22
Education
Background: Third year student, studying Mathematical Physics.
Hobbies: Films, reading, computers, quizzes(!), golf, keeping fit, playing the cello.
3 Words that
best describe you: Easy-going, confident, thoughtful.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I am incredibly excited that Edinburgh University has been chosen to represent Scotland in University Challenge India. As a self-confessed quiz geek, this event represents the ultimate challenge and it is a huge thrill to be taking part.
When I tried out for the team to represent Edinburgh in the UK version of University Challenge, I did not have high hopes of actually being selected. It came as a huge surprise when I qualified. To now be asked to travel with my team to India to compete with the best of the UK teams against India's finest students is a great honor.
We have a strong team representing a wide range of interests, so I am confident that we can put up a good fight in the competition and fly the flag for our nation and institution. I would love to do well in University Challenge India, but even if we are outclassed, the experience will be fantastic. This is an opportunity that I would not miss for the world!"
 Will White
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Studying for an M.A. in Art History.
Hobbies: Playing and following cricket, rugby and football.
3 Words that
best describe you: 'Very, very nice' or 'Good at quizzes'.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"The prospect of travelling to India under any circumstances is incredibly exciting especially as British youth culture - particularly music and fashion - is currently experiencing something of a love-affair with Indian popular culture. Britain and India have obvious historical links and I think that we have really healthy and strong ties. The chance to represent my (adopted) country and British universities as a whole is also something I feel immensely privileged and proud to be able to do; I think I may have missed the boat with cricket. I'm keenly looking forward to meeting not only other students from all corners of Britain but also students from all over India - I know very little about Indian universities and student life and it will be interesting to compare notes. And if I bump into Sachin and Sourav, well that'll be a huge bonus. My fingers are crossed."
 Rachel Boase
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Third year student of English Literature.
Hobbies: Reading anything and everything, listening to writers and writing, theatre (acting).
3 Words that
best describe you: Creative, eclectic, lucky.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I'm hugely excited about going to India since I've always wanted to experience at first-hand what we only get a sampling of (in food, music and films) in the UK. As a fan of all things quizzical I am delighted to know there is a whole nation which shares this passion!"
 Graham Allison
Age: 19
Educational
Background: Second year student of B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.
Hobbies: Football, extensive reading, travelling and making friends.
3 Words that
best describe you: Outgoing, friendly, sensible.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I am very excited about taking part in University Challenge India, as I enjoy travelling and a chance like this comes up very rarely!"
Established in 1872, Aberystwyth was the first university in Wales. Today, it has over 7,000 students. The University has links with other academic institutions across the world and recently launched a series of exchange programmes with universities in the USA.
Students from Aberystwyth, regardless of their subject, have the opportunity to spend a year in employment and the University is continually strengthening links with employers to find out more about the opportunities available to graduates.
 Colan Walsh (captain)
Age: 26
Educational
Background: Open University Certificate in Management
of Voluntary Organisations.
Currently studying International Relations.
Hobbies: Snowboarding, running, soccer, reading history and science, pub quizzes, working with voluntary youth organisations, spending time with friends. Currently learning Welsh in spare time.
3 Words that
best describe you: Inquisitive, social, hard working.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"Truthfully, I feel really honoured to be able to take part in such an event on behalf of my university. I've had too little personal exposure to Indian culture and history in my life, and hope that this trip to be a chance to rectify that deficit."
 Angelina Karpovich
Age: 24
Educational
Background: B.A. (Hons.) Film and Television Production, University of Westminster.
M.A. Anthropology of Media, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Reading for a Ph.D. in Film and Television Studies.
Hobbies: Cinema, literature, travel.
3 Words that
best describe you: Creative, curious, entertaining.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I feel incredibly privileged to be participating in the University Challenge experience, particularly as I'm representing Aberystwyth – the best kept secret in Wales! I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of University Challenge India, and look forward to the trip, to meeting with students from India, and to being overwhelmed with Indian culture and hospitality. In all likelihood, for me this will be the experience of a lifetime!"
 Tom Gardiner
Age: 22
Educational
Background: Currently studying French and Geography, B.A. (Joint Honours).
Hobbies: Reading, playing tennis and cricket, watching football, and cinema.
3 Words that
best describe you: Reflective, modest, self assured.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I feel incredibly excited about the whole experience. I am looking forward both to the challenge of such a prestigious quiz against students with a similar interest in general knowledge and to the incredible opportunity I have been given to see the Indian capital and its environs. Travel and general knowledge have always been important to me as separate interests and this experience offers a unique opportunity to unite the two."
 Peter Sisson
Age: 22
Educational
Background: B.Sc. Geography
Hobbies: Films, music, football, computers.
3 Words that
best describe you: Capable, determined & motivated.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I am really looking forward to experiencing a different culture in India and representing both Aberystwyth University & my adopted homeland in this international competition."
Part of the University of London, Birkbeck is a research-led college, which is currently ranked among the leading UK university institutions.
The College welcomes applications from international students for their on-line and full-time taught Master’s and postgraduate research programmes, offered by the 15 Schools within the faculties of Arts, Science and Social Science.
Birkbeck has a high percentage of mature students, whose backgrounds, occupations and commitment to study, make for dynamic class discussions and a widening of horizons.
30% of our full-time postgraduates come from outside Europe, half of whom are doing research.
 Tony Gillham (captain)
Age: 38
Educational
Background: Studied Biochemistry B.Sc. at Chelsea College, University of London. Currently studying Applied Linguistics M.A.
Hobbies: Too busy with full-time job and Masters degree (& TV appearances) to have any!
3 Words that
best describe you: Dry, showoff, diplomatic.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"Having beaten the competition in UK in 2002-03, I want us to do the
same in India (especially if Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland all lose
hence the use of the word 'diplomatic' in the previous question)- actually
just thrilled at the chance to combine a visit to India with the fun &
challenge of being on UC."
 Colum Gallivan
Age: 57
Educational
Background: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Graduate studying B.A. in Classics.
Hobbies: Language, literature, theory of theatre.
3 Words that
best describe you: Indolent, clubbable, irascible.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"When a friend was in India for 6 weeks filming 'A Jewel in the Crown' I was incredibly jealous - this is my revenge! I am absolutely delighted and as a classics student I am only too sad that I am too old to start learning Sanskrit. Still, there's always the Penguin 'Gita', Shanti."
 Thor Halland
Age: 35
Educational
Background: Currently pursuing 2nd year degree in Philosophy.
Hobbies: History , computers, travel.
3 Words that
best describe you: Annoying, arrogant, entrepreneurial.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"Really happy to be travelling abroad - India is the country that I fear most, though, at quizzes - I reckon they are the most intelligent country in the world."
 Tony Walsh
Age: 40
Educational
Background: Completed B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy.
Currently studying for a B.A. History and Archaeology.
Hobbies: Cinema and music.
3 Words that
best describe you: Cautious, cynical, obsessive.
How do you feel about taking part in University Challenge India:
"I still find it hard to believe that I'm taking part. I have absolutely no idea what to expect and can't escape the nagging feeling that we're going to be soundly beaten (mind you I felt the same about each round we played in the UK and we still won!). Looking forward to the whole experience."
 Siddartha Basu: Born in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) on 28 December 1954, Siddhartha has grown up in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Delhi and Chennai (formerly Madras). He has schooled in Besant Montessori, Cathedral and John Connon Boys School, Mumbai; Frank Anthony Public School, Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT, Chennai.
He has a Master's degree in English Literature, and has been working as a director and producer of television programmes since 1977. He has presented and produced a number of quiz shows on television over the last eighteen years, including five series of 'Mastermind India'. The landmark 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire India' ('Kaun Banega Crorepati') hosted by Amitabh Bachchan was directed and produced by Siddhartha Basu, with content compiled by his team at Synergy.
Among Siddhartha Basu’s other popular quiz series are 'Quiz Time', the national inter-college quiz, 'IQ' or 'India Quiz' and 'Kamzor Kadi Kaun'.
Siddhartha Basu has received the Uptron Award for 'Quiz Time' in 1998, the Pinnacle Award for 'India Quiz' in 1995 and recently, the Screen-Videocon award, the ITA (Indian Television Academy) Award and the Indian Telly Award for 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.
Among his notable publications are 5 volumes of Mastermind India & Inquisitive.
He runs quiz columns in a number of newspapers, among them, 'Dainik Bhaskar', India's most widely read daily and 'Hindustan Times', the leader in Delhi.
 Jacqui Allan (British Council India)  Devyani Naidu (British Council India)
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