Social media has had a bad rap lately, being blamed for everything from shorter attention spans to depression to social ills. It does, though, have the power to bring diverse people from across the globe together for a common interest or cause. One such is 1Across, a group of cryptic crossword enthusiasts from around the world who come together on Facebook, challenging one another’s brainpower by setting cryptic clues for each to solve.
They would’ve been justified in stopping there, having formed an online community to pursue their esoteric interest. But they decided to go a step further and put their interest in puzzles to tangible social benefit.
On the third anniversary of the formation of 1ACross, founded by Sowmya Ramkumar, they decided to publish a book of crossword puzzles set by group members. And, Cryptic Crossroads was born. It contains 24 puzzles of varying levels of difficulty, with endearing biographies of the setters, and edited and compiled by Ms. Ramkumar.
The setters did not receive any remuneration for the puzzles, and money raised from the sale of the book and from sponsorship will go to a public charitable institute working in the field of medical treatment and research.
“Indian-style cryptics have been a passion for me from childhood,” said Ms. Ramkumar, “so running 1ACross group has been a source of immense pleasure. Though many of us have never seen each other in real life, we were able to pull together for a common cause and publish this.”
Since many of the members have roots in Chennai, it was decided to support a Chennai-based charity. So far the group has raised approximately Rs. 3.25 lakh from sponsorship and sale of the book (each generates Rs. 70 as royalty). Recently some in the group met Dr. V. Shanta, the Chairman of the Cancer Institute (WIA) and presented her a cheque from the proceeds of the book.
Cryptic Crossroads is a good example of how social media, despite its reputation, can still be a tool bringing people around the world together, and how a sense of social responsibility can elevate even our simplest acts to benefit a greater cause – even browsing Facebook!
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