17th Dr Amidas Goradia Inter school Debate in Hindi

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it - Joseph Joubert.

The 17th edition of Dr Amidas Goradia Inter-School Debate in Hindi took place in a virtual environment on Saturday, 21 August 2021. Debating encourages the development of oratory skills and brings out innovative and creative ideas. The length and breadth of knowledge that the participants gain through this activity are unparalleled.

The debate in Hindi attracted debaters from 22 prominent schools from across the city. Dignitaries like the School Vice-Chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Nayana Goradia, and Vice-Chairperson of the Managing Committee, Mrs Brinda Shroff, graced the online event.

Professor Vinod Kumar Mishra, an eminent personality and professor at Tripura University, lent his gracious presence as chief guest at the occasion. Illustrious media person Mr Narendra Joshi and Ms Upma Dagga judged the competitive entries.

Professor Mishra thanked the School and expressed his delight at being virtually present at this prestigious event. He stressed the importance of debate and linked it to the age-old practice of Shaastrarth (Vaad-Vivaad). He said that debate acts as a communication bridge in a healthy democracy. Professor Vinod Kumar also emphasised the role of good communication skills in developing the overall personality.

The topics for the debate were:

Online shiksha hume hain bhati, padhai ke saath saath masti bhi ho jati

Nanhi si jaan ko kitna hai kaam, grih karya band karo hey bhagwan

Uniform hai ek bandhan isse chutkara chahte hain hum

Social media se Karli mitrata bore hone ki nahi hai chinta

The first topic to be debated was about uniforms- students in favour of the motion stated that school uniforms infringe upon students right to express their individuality, have no positive effect on behaviour and academic achievements. On the other hand, students speaking against the motion argued that school uniforms make schools safer for students, create a level playing field that reduces socioeconomic disparities, and encourage children to focus on their studies rather than their clothes.

The speakers vocalised their views in proposition and opposition with equal conviction and articulation on the second topic- friendship with social media. Speaking for the motion, the young speakers emphasised that social media is the best form of communication. Through social media, people can easily communicate with other people. Their opponents contested that excessive use of social media by children creates addictive behaviour in them. They always want to use social media.

The third topic saw the vivacious debaters spar over the motion that doing homework gives students a far greater sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It provides students the chance to develop a much more firm understanding of their learning materials. The desirable quality of punctuality is sharpened by having to adhere to deadlines. The counter arguments stated that students need time to socialize and work on interpersonal skills; going straight home after school to finish yet another mountain of work prevents fostering social skills.

Mr Narendra Joshi, the eminent judge, appreciated the passionate arguments presented by the nascent debaters, especially during the tough and trying times. He accentuated pronunciation, calling it vital to proper communication; mispronouncing words distorts the beauty of the language and creates confusion.

Ms Upma Dagga emphasised that children are the leaders of tomorrow and that debating would encourage and reinforce essential 21st-century soft skills in them.

Principal, Ms Tania Joshi, announced the results and congratulated the winners. Delhi Public School East of Kailash won the Rolling Trophy and Tagore International School, East of Kailash, took home the Runner-up trophy.

In the individual category, Tushita Johar of Vasant Valley School, received the Best Speaker award; Ananya Sabharwal of Tagore International School, East of Kailash, secured the second position. Suhaani Jain of Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School bagged the third position.

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