MANAMA, BAHRAIN — The Indian Ladies’ Association (ILA) Bahrain hosted the second edition of its popular quiz competition, “India Unplugged,” on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Epix Cinema in Dana Mall. Coinciding with the ILA’s landmark 70th anniversary, the event drew a packed auditorium of quiz enthusiasts for a high-spirited celebration of Indian history, culture, and heritage.
Building on the success of its inaugural season, this year’s contest invited three-member teams to test their knowledge across diverse themes covering India’s rich history, iconic figures, vibrant present, and fascinating trivia. Open to participants aged 15 and above, the event attracted 35 teams—a total of 105 contestants—comprising students, families, and long-time community members.
The evening commenced with a written preliminary round, from which six top teams advanced to the live stage finals. The final showdown featured eight dynamic rounds incorporating audio, visual, and rhyme-based challenges, keeping both contestants and the audience enthralled throughout the competition.
Jignesh Purohit, Country Manager of Air India Bahrain, attended as the Chief Guest, alongside Sujay Uchil of Epix Cinema as Guest of Honor. The competition was curated and presented by Quiz Masters Aruldas Thomas and Shama Uchil, both of whom were felicitated on stage for their engaging presentation.
Welcoming dignitaries, sponsors, and community leaders, ILA President Smitha Jensen highlighted the dual significance of the event, which coincided with India’s 80th Independence Day and the ILA’s milestone year.
“India Unplugged is much more than a quiz; it is a celebration of our shared heritage and a tribute to the generations of Indians—known and unknown—who have shaped our civilisation and contributed to making India the great nation it is today,” Jensen said in her address.
Reflecting on the organization’s legacy since its establishment in 1956 under the banner “Service Before Self,” she added that as the ILA celebrates 70 years of service in Bahrain, the initiative reflects the very spirit the association cherishes—bringing people together across regions, languages, and traditions.
Following a series of tightly contested rounds, three teams claimed top honors from a total prize pool of USD 1,800. First prize of USD 1,000 went to The Tricolour Trio (TTT), comprising Silvan Varghese, Joel Indrupati, and Urmila Borde. Second prize of USD 500 was awarded to Team AAG, featuring Gayathri Viswana, Amit Chaudhary, and Anita Menon. Third prize of USD 300 was secured by Rajasthan Royals, represented by Shikha Agarwal, Vivek Agarwalla, and Suchita Mandhana. In addition to the main podium prizes, five all-women teams received special gift hampers in recognition and encouragement of their participation.
Organizers noted that the strong turnout underscores the rapid growth of India Unplugged as a premier highlight on the kingdom’s cultural calendar. The event was supported by Radio Mirchi 104.2 FM as media partner, Epix Cinema as venue partner, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Bahrain Chapter, as knowledge partner. Additional support was provided by sponsors including Zaja Beauty, New Horizon School, Space & Style Interior Design Studio, Kalakendra Arts Centre, R Square Technologies, and BBK.
With its second season concluding to widespread acclaim, the ILA reaffirmed its plan to further expand the initiative as part of its ongoing 70th-anniversary calendar.