Inter-House Debate Competition
An Inter-house debate competition was organised in the middle school in Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad as the culmination event for the ongoing Literary week. The students battled with their wits on 29 August 2019, where there were two categories: Grade 6 and 7, and Grade 8 and 9. The theme for Grade 6 and 7 was ‘Social media is manipulating young minds,’ while Grade 8 and 9 had to express their opinion on the motion ‘Article 370 was revoked in a just manner.’ Since both the topics require rigorous research and preparation, the contestants were seen in deep discussions with their mentors, or working and reworking on their speeches. With so much intensity in the air, the competition began with a three panel jury.
The judges included a teacher Mrs. Surbhi Maini, a parent Mrs. Kundu, and also the literary in-charge of the junior council Sana Bose. Grade 6 and 7 began first, with each student trying to put up strong arguments with clever perspectives being wielded, where the points ranged from how much our decisions are influenced by social media to how social media is like any other tool we have, whether we use it for good or bad is for us to decide.
The winners in this category were Saiansh from 7 Gir Lion House for the motion, and Neeyati from 7 Corbett Panther House against the motion. The second position was bagged by Harjas from 7 Gir for the motion, and Ivanna from 6 Sariska who was against the motion. The debate between the students of Grade 8 and 9 was on such a politically charged and sensitive topic, that the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. They deliberated on the motion, contested each others’ points of view, and finally presented some astute points from all sides of the spectrum.
The ideas put forward ranged from a Constitutional explanation of how this action was completely democratic hence just, to grave questions being asked on whether the end can justify the means, to the matter of the importance of free speech. The speeches were so enthralling that the result felt almost like an after-thought. Ria Singh of 9 Gir Panthers house beat the competition and stood first for the motion, and Lakshita of Grade 8 Leopard house stood 2nd. Against the motion some strong points were put forward, laced with emotions; and among these students Gurnoor Kaur of 9 Gir Panthers house overcame the contention to stand first, while Mansi of 9 Gir Leopard House bagged the 2nd prize. The day was impactful, and left not just the students but also the teachers with much to think about. It was hailed a success, and has set the bar high for the students in the upcoming events.
Sharing a glipmse of the same.
Source: https://youtu.be/xKCSWD7CbtE