my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Nov: An Inter-School English Debate “Spectrum 2025” was organised by St. Thomas’ College, here, today.
Five reputed schools of Dehradun participated in the event — St Jude’s School, Carman School (Dalanwala), St Joseph’s Academy, Summer Valley School, and St Thomas’ College.
The topic for the debate was “Single Gender Schools Are Better Than Co-Ed Ones”, which had been given to the schools a day prior for preparation.
A Turn Coat Round was also held, where one student from each school was permitted to speak on a randomly selected topic. Each participant had to speak for one minute in favour of the motion, and, at the stroke of the bell, immediately ‘turn coat’ and speak against it.
It was an intellectually stimulating morning as participants presented their well-researched and passionate arguments. In the Turn Coat round, the topics were: Everyone Must Turn Vegetarian, Examinations Are a Real Test of One’s Intelligence, The Tie Should Not Be a Part of School Uniform, Cooking Should Be Made a Compulsory Subject in Higher Classes, Cheating in Examinations Is Justified.
St Thomas’ College, being the host school, did not compete for the overall running trophy. St Joseph’s Academy was declared the Winner, while Carman School, Dalanwala, emerged as the Runner-up in the “Spectrum” Inter-School English Debate Competition.
The Best Speaker (For the Motion) was Preksha Agarwal from St Joseph’s Academy while Navya Bhatt also of St Joseph’s Academy was presented the Best Speaker (Against the Motion) award.
The Best Speaker (Turn Coat Category) was awarded to Preksha Agarwal from St Joseph’s Academy.
The Chief Guest D.P.S. Gupta, Principal, Guru Nanak Academy, Dehradun, who gave away the prizes. He delivered an inspiring address, commending the participants and appreciating the excellent conduct of the event.
The panel of judges comprised V Kalia, Ratna Manucha, and Rajshree Ojha.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by the Principal, RV. Gardner (ex-MLA), who expressed gratitude to the Principals of all participating schools for encouraging their students to take part in the competition.
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