Debating with a difference

The city winners are Risha Naik,Aditya Mehta,Garima Gayatri,Mrudula raghvan,Amit Potnis and Niharika Kolte. Debating matters had actual comprehension of the topics like commercial surrogacy in India is morally acceptable,there should be no curbs on artistic freedom,quotas for women in politics will help bring about equality and clinical trials in India exploit the poor and vulnerable. Competition stressed more on content,logic,argument,clever wordplay and substance rather than on diction,language or style.

Winning or losing is not important,what matters is learning and experiencing such event they say collectively. Risha,a Symbiosis student and the recipient of most commendable speaker,says,“The competition was intense and helped in understanding current affairs,it makes you think and research a lot. To excel in this,one should have excellent knowledge of current affairs and very good rebuttal is required as questions can be asked on any topic” Risha has participated in Model United Nation Competition as well,but feels this will be something that she would cherish throughout her life. Manasa N G,another participant from Army School Khadki says,“ Normal debates test your speaking skills and way of presentation however debating matters was completely different as it was more about knowledge and your convincing style.” She considers herself lucky that she got the chance to share the stage with some of best students and orators.

The competition did not simply check the vocabulary but a view expressed in simple English was considered. Topics were given to the schools well in advance and students were supposed to speak on the topic,showcasing their in-depth knowledge. “We studied the materials provided by British council,read newspapers,magazines on daily basis,and had long and detailed discussions on the topics,” explains Arjun Azavedu,a Delhi Public School student.

British Council Head of the Programme (West),Manjula Rao shares more about the contest by saying,“We select all kinds of topics for the students so that they get better exposure and can have their own point of view,this way they are well- versed with the factual news.” So how does it feel to be winners and Aditya Mehta,who participated in this contest for second time from Symbiosis says,“We really deserved this as we worked hard,a lot of research and discussions were conducted for this event and we actively participated in all of them.” Is there any rule to put the best argument forward and Garima Gayatri,a Symbiosis student,denies,further explaining,“It is a spontaneous debate,not a traditional one where you can just go to the stage and speak,it is more about responding and interacting,so,one cant really follow strategies here,knowledge is all that helps.”

Mrudulla Raghvan,another Symbiosis student stresses on the fact that teamwork and the support from their school staff was of great help as a lot of information was shared while preparing for the event.

Tough but really interesting is how many participants describe the whole experience. An excited Risha adds, “Sharing your thoughts and ideas with co contestants,meeting people who think alike,getting feedback from judges,and representing our school was really something that motivated me.”

And now preparing for finals is what excites Garima. She strongly believes that it will be tough as best from all the zones will fight and display their talent. “I am excited,nervous and enthusiastic and want to give my best,I don’t doubt my potentials and want every one to do so as this will boost the confidence level.” Last year,the National winners were from SM Choksey High School from Pune who made it to finals in London and as history seems to repeat we wait for the historic moment.