Dehradun-Mahatma Gandhi has rightly quoted “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”

St. Joseph’s Academy organised the prestigious 16th Brother E.T Dunne Senior School English and Hindi Debate on August 10, 2024 for classes IX-XII at the school auditorium. The event showcased erudite speakers employing incisive strategies, each striving to persuade the audience with their perspectives. The occasion was graced by Principal SJA, Reverend Brother Joseph; Community Leader, Reverend Brother Astinus Kujur; the venerable panel of judges Dr. Vinita Sharma, Ms Poonam Jaiswal,and Miss Neelum Sethi; coordinators, teachers, and students of classes IX-XII.

The debate commenced with a sincere and moving prayerfollowed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by our Principal, Reverend Brother Joseph; Community Leader, Reverend Brother Astinus Kujur; and the distinguished judges of the event.

The Inter-house English debate was structured into two rounds: the Extemporaneous Debate and the Turnout.

The topic for the English Extemporaneous Debate was: This House believes that ‘This House believes that the exposure to violent video games is detrimental to the moral development of young people.’ The topic of the Hindi Debate was that ‘This House believes that the growth of technology makes us insecure.’ The Turncoat round was equally captivating and intellectually stimulating. The competition witnessed an eloquent clash of words among the four houses: Donovan, Bergin, Dooley, and Duffy with each participant delivering their arguments with unwavering confidence.

The results were as follows:

English Debate:

Best Speaker: Aahana Bist

Runner-up Speakers: Aanya Bist and Angel Khanna

Best Interlocutor: Shivay Sablok

Best Rebuttal: Titiksha Chauhan

Best Speaker Turncoat: Sejal Bali

Best Team: Duffy House

 

Hindi Debate:

Best Speaker: Vanshika Semalti

Runner-up Speakers: Amatya Gairola

Best Interlocutor: Anmol Ahuja and Avni Gupta

Best Rebuttal: Amatya Gairola

Best Team: Duffy House

 

Following the eloquent articulation of their arguments by the debaters, the judges provided their insights to the audience, lauding the participants for their exceptional efforts and prowess. This was succeeded by a vote of thanks, and the debate ended with Duffy House being honoured with the overall trophy for both the English and Hindi debates.