Beyond the Puzzle - Edugraph’s Speedcubing Workshop Unveils the Magic of the Cube!

The Telegraph Online Edugraph Workshops: Summer Edition just came to a close, and what a whirlwind of learning and fun it's been! From exploring the wonders of science to diving into creative writing, clay art, k-pop, these workshops offered something for every curious mind. But one workshop in particular had participants twisting and turning with excitement - the ‘Introduction to Speedcubing’ workshop at Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata!

Speedcubing, with its blend of challenge and fun, proved to be a hit among the young participants. It was a world of finger dexterity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, all wrapped up in a colorful cube.

This 3-day workshop, held from June 6 to June 8, was led by none other than Hitesh Kumar Bhuwalka, an international Rubik's Cube Puzzle Coach and Speed Cuber. With over 300 students from 10 different countries under his wing, Hitesh is a true master of the cube. Notably, he clinched The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 under 18 Awards 2024. As one of India’s top 5 speedcubers in the 6x6 event category, Hitesh dazzles with his Rubik’s Cube prowess. His 8 State Records for West Bengal prove that he’s not just solving cubes; he’s rewriting the regional speedcubing narrative.

The workshop was a masterclass in transforming curious minds into cubing ninjas. With a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching, Hitesh guided the young cubers through an array of essential skills:

• The Secrets to Getting Faster: The workshop focused on developing a smooth "turning style" for efficient cube manipulation.
• Thinking Ahead: Speedcubing isn't just about reacting, it's about planning your moves in advance. Participants were introduced to "look ahead" techniques, allowing them to solve multiple steps simultaneously.
• Smart Cubes and Competition Ready: Not all cubes are created equal! The workshop explored the benefits of "smart cubes" that track your solving time and stats. They even learned the ropes of official competitions, so they can take their skills to the next level.

The young participants learned the secrets to lightning-fast solves, from mastering turning styles to the art of "looking ahead" – basically planning your next move before you even make the current one! The workshop was not just about learning but also about having fun. Hitesh Bhuwalka shared his thoughts on the experience: “It was very fun teaching all the children out there and I also got to view a different perspective from each one of them for what they have been thinking about cubing as a whole.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he added, “Overall it was a fun session for me! The children were very interactive with me and we enjoyed all the three days.”

As they left with new skills and fond memories, it was clear that this introduction to speedcubing had sparked a new interest and perhaps even the beginnings of future champions. Hitesh reflected on the potential of these budding cubers: “Hopefully the children learnt many new things and they’ll surely improve in their cubing career. So hoping to see them again! ”