On the 26 of June, 2009 a few students of Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School had the immense honour of being invited to watch and participate in the Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter School Debate 2009, Stage 1: Category 1 held at the Lokhandwala Foundation School in Mumbai. The participants were Semanti Ray and Nishant Jalgaonkar of the 12 Std., accompanied by a group of ten students Ms. Jade Carvalho. The nervous and excited participants and school contingent reported to the venue at 08:45 am. After waiting for some time, the hour-long preparation time for the debate began at 10:00 am. The topic for the day was “this house believes that in the 21 century, there is no question of a world without violence and destruction”. One team member from each team had to speak for the motion and the other member, against the motion. The speaking time given was four minutes and two minutes for each individual’s rebuttal round. The other participating schools were Atul Vidyalaya, Bishop’s School, Christ Church School, Gokuldham High School, Gundecha Education Society and Jasudben Memorial School. Drawing of lots determined the order of progression of teams in the debate and Podar was the third team to speak.
It was an exciting debate with some very eloquent and substantial speeches by the participants, followed by the heated rebuttal rounds. The main contention of all those speaking for the motion was that, human nature is such that it cannot coexist peacefully with others and there will always be war and bloodshed to resolve differences; whereas those who were speaking against the motion said that violence is never a solution to anything and the human race will soon realize this, and try to find peaceful and harmonious ways to settle their differences. The debate finally ended and the sources were calculated, while members of the audience, teachers and judges were requested to come up and share their views on the subject. Everyone impatiently awaited the final verdict. The results were:-- Best Team – Atul Vidyalaya, First Runner – up Team – Lilavatibai Podar High School, Best Speaker – Rishi from Atul Vidyalaya and First Runner – up Speaker – Aakansha from Bishop’s School. The guests were invited to stay for lunch and then leave. It had truly been an exciting and enlightening experience for all those who watched as well as participated. |
