Dehradun: It is rightly said, “A student’s life is hollow without debates and declamations as these give wings to his imagination and words to his thoughts.” St.Joseph’s Academy organised the 15th Bro. E.T.Dunne Memorial English and Hindi Debate Competition on 05th August 2023. The English debate was divided into two rounds – the Turncoat round and the Extempore debate .The topic for the second round, i.e ,extempore debate was ‘This House believes that societal pressure influences students’ career choices.’ The debate commenced with the lighting of the inaugural lamp by the Chief Guest – Rev. Bro. J. C. Carroll, the Vice Principal, Rev. Bro. Astinus Kujur and the esteemed judges, Ms. Nadira Ahmed, Ms. Manju Sharma and Mr. Pramod Sharma.
The results of the English Debate were as follows – 1st Runner Up Speaker – Anamitra Goswami, Duffy House, best Speaker – Ojas Uniyal, Duffy House, best Interlocutor – Yash Gupta, Dooley House,best Rebuttal – Ojas Uniyal, Duffy House,best Speaker (Turncoat) – Navya Bhatt, Dooley House and best Team was Duffy House The second round of Hindi Debate followed after a short break. The topic for the Hindi Debate was,’ Aaj bharat ko samaan nagrik sahmita ki aavashyakta hai.’ The Hindi Debate was adjudged by Ms Vijaya Jugran, Dr Rupam Chaudhary and Ms Punam Chawla.
After the debaters had spoken out their thoughts , the Chief Guest shared his views on debating in general and congratulated each participant. The results of the Hindi Debate were as follows -1st Runner Up Speaker – Anubhav Sajwan, Donovan House ,best Speaker- Akshita Gupta, Bergin House ,best Interlocutor- Vatsal Khantwal, Bergin House,best Rebuttle- Daksh Joshi, and Akshita Gupta – Bergin House (tie)and best Team – Bergin House.The war of words and wit culminated with Duffy House bagging the overall trophy for the academic year 2023-24.
