The Debate Society of Delhi Public School, R.K Puram hosted its 2nd Annual Inter-School Debate Competition, “Aarohan – Ascent of Young Minds” from 2- 3 August 2018. The event was divided into two halves – the English Debate on the 2 Aug and the Hindi Debate on the 3Aug. The event endeavored to give students an opportunity to showcase their strong declamatory skills and their ability to have logical and rational discussions.
Day One
The English Debate saw the participation of teams from 40 schools, with each team consisting of two students from grades VI-VIII.
The event was judged by Ms. Clara Martin, Head, Performance and Upper School – Grades IV-VIII at Bilva Indian School, Dubai; Ms. Kiran Mishra, an English Announcer at All India Radio since 1989 with nearly 26 years’ experience in the Radio and Communication industry; and Ms. Juhi Tyagi, Chief Producer at NDTV 24*7 and an integral part of India’s only Emmy nominated News show, ‘The Buck Stops Here’.
The occasion was graced by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, along with the Headmistress, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra, and the Head of the English Department, Ms. Atika Dayal.
The event started with the felicitation of the judges, followed by a Welcome Address by Ms. Rashmi Malhotra in which she emphasized the importance of debates as a platform that allows one to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong. A rendition of the Saraswati Shlokas was performed and their meaning elaborated upon before the commencement of the actual debate.
Participants elucidated on the topic ‘Today, parenting is more about financing children than nurturing them’ with well worded arguments, ensuring their point was put across in the best possible way. Rebuttals from the speakers and the audience were encouraged, adding a twist to the competition and keeping the participants on their toes.
Participants were judged on the content of their arguments, delivery, relevance to the topic and participation in the rebuttal round.
Day Two
The Hindi Debate saw the participation of 42 teams from all over Delhi and NCR. The event gave a platform to the students of classes VI-VIII for evincing their oratorical skills with impactful debates in Hindi.
Dr. Manoj Sharma, a Hindi Professor at PGDAV College, Dr. Anurag Mishra, City editor of India presently the Editor of Microsoft News, and Dr. Karuna Sharma, a lecturer and Professor at the Government Education Department, were the honoured judges for the event.
The occasion was graced by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, the Headmistress, Ms. Rashmi Malhotra, the Head of the Hindi Department, Ms. Jyoti Bakshi, and other teacher coordinators, who helped make the event a huge success.
The event began with the felicitation of the judges by the Headmistress, which was followed by her welcome address where she thanked them for being able to take time out of their busy schedule. She fondly talked about her childhood, when she read Hindi novels, and urged students to continue this practice. She emphasized the importance of enhancing the Hindi communication abilities.
Competitors delivered articulated debates and formidable arguments, on the topic, ‘बदलों जीवन मूल्य क्यूंकि सब चलता है ‘,exemplifying the qualities of splendid rhetoricians. Rebuttals from the audience was encouraged, which drove the participants and audience towards devoting their undivided attention to the speakers. Participants were judged on the content of their arguments, delivery, relevance to the topic and participation in the rebuttal round.
This was followed by a speech by the Principal, Ms. Vanita Sehgal, who thanked the students and appreciated the efforts of the teacher coordinators. In her vote of thanks, Ms. Jyoti Bakshi expressed how astounded she was to see students exhibit the qualities of an eloquent orator. On the behalf of all of the judges, Dr. Karuna Sharma thanked the school for presenting the opportunity of judging an event as prestigious as Aarohan.
The First position in the English Debate was bagged by Suhana Sharma from Delhi Public School, Noida, with Khushi Mishra from Mount St. Mary’s School,Delhi Cantt securing the second position , and Aditya Dubey from Delhi Public School, Noida securing the third position. Delhi Public School, Noida emerged as the best team.
In the Hindi debate, Tanvi Srivastav from Delhi Public School, Noida bagged the first prize, whereas Kavya Khanna from Delhi Public School, Rohini secured the second position. The third position was awarded to Nishtha Sharma from Mount Carmel School and Aastika Jain of Springdales, Dhaula kuan The trophy for the best team was awarded to Delhi Public School, Noida.
The overall ‘Aarohan – Ascent of Young Minds’ trophy was bagged by DPS Noida.
