M. C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth hosts the ASISC Zonal Debate Competition 2024(WB & NE States) Junior Category, Zones A, B and C, as a part of the Fr. George Hess Literary Competitions

Published on: 03 May 2024

M. C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth hosted the ASISC Zonal Debate Competition 2024 (WB & NE States) Junior Category (Classes IX and X), as a part of the Fr. George Hess Literary Competitions  at the school campus on 3 May 2024.

Participants from nine schools across West Bengal -Contai Public School, St. Agnes School, Kharagpur,  Don Bosco School, Bandel, Gospel Home School, Tribeni Tissues Vidyapeeth, Agrasain Balika Shiksha Sadan, Agrasain Boys’ School, Apex Academy and M. C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth put forth their views on the topic - “It is ethical to use technology to manipulate human behaviour (e.g. social media algorithm).” In the one-hour preparation time, the teams researched on the topic, formulated their arguments, and gathered evidence to support their contentions. Each school comprised two speakers: one supported and the other opposed the motion.

The programme began with a welcome address by Ms Kathika Dasgupta, Assistant Teacher of Preparatory Stage, MCKV, followed by the felicitation of the moderator, judges and guests and lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Mr Neelkantha Gupta, Director, MCKV, conveyed his best wishes to the participants highlighting how participating in such challenging competitions in itself makes each one of them a winner.

As the debate proceeded, young debaters artfully presented their well-structured arguments persuasively. The highlight was the rebuttal segment, which added a dynamic, unpredictable and fun element to the debate as participants dodged questions with counter arguments. The fierce yet respectful exchanges exemplified the maturity and alacrity of the debaters creating an atmosphere of intellectual camaraderie among the competing schools.

Dr Rima Chakraborty,  Assistant Professor, Surendranath College, Kolkata, aced in her role as the moderator of the debate. The panel of judges comprised Ms Samita Guha, retired English teacher of Don Bosco School, Liluah, Ms Chandrima Banerjee and Ms Chandrima Ghosh Basu, English teachers, DAV Public School, Kolkata.  The judges ensured fair evaluation and fostered a high standard of thoughtful discourse.

At the conclusion of the event, the winners were announced and certificates and medals were awarded. M. C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth was declared the Second Runner-Up Team. Contai Public School was adjudged the First Runner-Up Team and the Winning Team of the day was St. Agnes School, Kharagpur. The two best teams qualify for the Regional Round.The event came to a conclusion with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms Sonali Saha, Assistant Head of the Department, English, MCKV.