06-06-2023
“Free speech and debate are essential in our search for the truth. Knowing what to say is sense, when to say it is intelligence, how to say it is wisdom, why and how to say it is enlightenment.” True to this quote, the Inter-House Debate Competition 2023-2024 organized at Indian School Sohar on 1st June 2023 provided the enthusiastic young debaters of the school an opportunity to dispute and settle the ever-interesting issue: Is Digital Technology Making Children’s Life Better? The adjudicators for the event were Ms. Sadhana Anil, Mr. Shijan Joseph and Ms. Sharmila Menezes.
The 2023 Inter-House Debate Competition was a resounding success. Eight teams from the four houses - Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow - demonstrated their eloquence and critical thinking skills on various relevant topics. The motion for the debate was revealed only two hours before the competition, and the topic was suggested to participants on the day of the event. The order of presentation was determined by drawing lots.
Head of the English Department, Mrs. Divya Johari, introduced the competition as an extended learning activity that would familiarize students with current issues. She said, “This Inter-House Debate Competition is a valuable learning experience for both the participants and the audience. By listening to different perspectives and arguments, the audience can broaden their understanding of the topic and become more engaged in the discussion.”
As the competition began, participants were eager and passionate, emphasizing their points with supported assertions and citations of authorities. They demonstrated convincing knowledge of the resolution and engaged in a strong war of words. The debate showcased participants’ intellectual prowess through confident arguments and impressive body language. Evaluation was based on content, diction and clarity, persuasion, presentation style, and rebuttal.
The intellectual battle concluded with Team 6, consisting of Nitinkisor Rajesh Kumar and Srishty Pandey, from the Red House emerging victorious for their defensive stance and clear diction and style. Gowri Krishna was named Best Speaker, followed by Maria Joe Joshi and Spandana Sureppally as First Runner Up and Srishty Pandey as Second Runner Up. Srishty Pandey, Gowri Krishna, and Spandana Sureppally were recognized for Best Rebuttal. Red House took first place, followed by Green House in second, Blue House in third, and Yellow House in fourth. The jury praised the participants for their forthrightness, preparation, debating skills, and confidence.
After the debate competition at Indian School Sohar, Principal Mrs. Sanchita Verma addressed the participants and audience. She congratulated the winners and commended their arguments and presentation skills. Mrs. Verma also highlighted the importance of debate as a skill for students, as it fosters critical thinking, communication, and confidence. She expressed appreciation for the English Department’s efforts in organizing the event and encouraged more students to participate in such activities. A special thanks was given to the judges for their time and effort in evaluating the performances and providing valuable tips to the participants and audience.
The event was well-coordinated by Chairpersons Vasudev Rajesh Pillai and Nithyashree, who demonstrated excellent moderation skills and asked insightful questions while remaining impartial and respectful of different viewpoints. Rajvi C Tataria proposed the Vote of Thanks. Anchor Sahana Goudar engaged the audience in a commendable manner. Timekeepers Niyati Bhatia and Devesh Yadav effectively ensured that participants adhered to the given time frame of 3 minutes.
The debate reinforced Margaret Heffernan’s assertion that, “For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.” The event proved to be a valuable learning experience for all present.
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