In 1990, the Kalpakkam chapter of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) held its first materials quiz for school students.
The quiz was intended to stimulate curiosity and cultivate appreciation among students for materials that have shaped our lives for millennia.
The quiz was named as Prof. Brahm Prakash Memorial Materials Quiz (BPMMQ) in 1993, in honour of India’s illustrious metallurgist.
Since then, the BPMMQ has evolved into a premier nationwide event, attracting over 120 students annually.
Glimpses from BPMMQ-2025
“I can still vividly remember packing my bags the night before leaving for Kalpakkam. Since it was my first trip outside my home state, the excitement was overwhelming.The experience at Kalpakkam was on another level entirely. An ordinary person rarely gets the opportunity to visit a functional nuclear power plant. That achievement alone is a massive boost for a lifetime.
The hands-on exposure to the operations of a nuclear facility was incredible. It wasn’t just a typical workshop. The scientists explained the workings of the plant with a level of clarity and depth that no one else could match.The accommodation facilities were on par with a four-star hotel. The rooms, the hospitality, and the flavors of the food are still fresh in my mind. Above all, the warmth of the people and the scientists made us feel right at home.
To all future participants: enjoy every bit of this journey, because in the end, it is the experience that matters most.Best wishes to all!“
-Subham Kumar Dev, DPS Angul
Winner, Essay & Elocution Contest, BPMMQ-2025
“The quiz itself was enthralling. Each question prompted us to reflect on groundbreaking developments, research, technologies, and equipment. It even highlighted simple, everyday materials that we often overlook but which hold immense significance. The experience reminded us of and deepened our respect for the vital role of materials science in our lives. The diverse variety of rounds during the grand finale made the competition even more intriguing.”
-Mrs. Erena Sayankar, Hislop Junior College, Nagpur
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