The Anglo-Indian community across India and abroad today mourns the loss of one of its illustrious members. The President-in- Chief of the All India Anglo-Indian Association is no more.

The 82-year-old former Lok Sabha MP and three-time nominated Anglo-Indian MLA in West Bengal Assembly is survived by his wife Joyce and three sons — Derek, Andy and Barry.

Thousands of Quiz fans will pay homage to the man who brought Quizzing to India.He’s gone, but has planted  a quest for knowledge in our hearts.

One of the first quiz masters Neil O’Brien had conducted the first well-organised, formal quiz in 1967 at Christ the King Church Parish Hall in Calcutta. He served as the chairman of CISCE, an all India examination body, which conducts the ICSE and ISC Examinations from December 1993 till July 2011. Mr. O’Brien also held the post of chairman of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations ( CISCE).

He had been exposed to the pub quiz culture in England, which resulted in him bringing quizzing first to the Anglo-Indian community before it became popular among a wider audience. O’Brien remained active in quizzing, later hosting popular quiz show broadcasts, including the ‘North Star Quiz.’

As a leader of the Anglo-Indian community, he was the president-in-chief of All-India Anglo-Indian Association and headed the Frank Anthony group of schools.

“Extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of the very talented Neil O’Brien. He will be missed by lakhs of quiz fans across India,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.

“His wide ranging interest in education played a role in the development of schools affiliated to the Council and helped in the expansion of education in our country,“Gerry Arathoon, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, said in a statement.

Jharkhand Anglo-Indian MLA Glen Gaulstan posted, “A stalwart of the Anglo Indian community, he has left a great void that can never be  filled. May his soul rest in peace.”

“The Agra Branch of The AIAIA sends out heartfelt condolences to the O’Brien family on the passing away of Our President In Chief, Mr Neil O’Brien. He will be sorely missed. Thank you for your contribution to our community Sir. RIP.”

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