Eight schools from across India competed in the Debating Matters India National Final 2010, attending the three day residential event at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November the schools took part in a series of workshops, lectures and presentations, before competing in a number of debates to whittle the eight schoosl down to just two for the final debate in IIT’s Central Lecture Theatre. The eight school teams were joined throughout the weekend by an array of distinguised people, including British linguist David Graddol, author Chetan Bhagat, poet and Dalit activist Meena Kandasamy and noted environment lawyer Usha Ramanathan amongest others, as guest speakers and judges. 

The final debate, on Saturday 20 November, asked the students to consider the motion ‘Curbing Population is an urgent priority’. Symbiosis College for Arts and Commerce, Pune from West India argued for the motion, and DAV Model School, Chandigarh from North India, argued against the motion. In a well argued debate, and after careful consideration on the part of the three guest judges, the young men from DAV Model School were prounced Debating Matters India 2010 Champions. The final judging panel was international in flavour with award-winning BBC presenter, comic writer and documentary maker Peter Curran joining Professor M S Ananth, Director of IIT Madras and Sujata Sen, Director of East India British Council.

To reach out to schools all over India and worldwide, the three day event was webcast live by the British Council.

The DAV Model School team, Sanchit Kumar, Shivan Kaul Sahib, Kamaal Singh Dhillon, Aditya Vij and Suveer Sachdeva, received the trophy from Professor M S Ananth, Director of IIT Madras, who commented on the high standard of the programme and debates he’s heard. Shivan Kaul, from the winning team, was thrilled, saying:

“I gained more awareness about the issues of the world we live in and learnt to enjoy a greater love for debates”.

Ruth Gee, Regional Director British Council India & Sri Lanka, said:

“This year we are delighted that more schools across India have had the opportunity to take part in Debating Matters and engage with peers and eminent opinion makers across the country. The British Council believes in empowering young people and helping them develop leadership qualities. We are delighted to have partners in India who share that vision.”

Speaking after the event, Tony Gilland, Director, Debating Matters, said of the third Debating Matters India competition:

“The spirit of Debating Matters was entered into throughout the event. Students, judges, teachers, alumni and speakers all put one another under intellectual pressure through a vigorous exchange of ideas on a myriad of topics. It was wonderful to have the enthusiastic support of so many individuals and organisations. Congratulations to the British Council for doubling the capacity of DM India this year and inspiring so many young people about the importance of debate.”

In addition to being crowned Debating Matters India Champions 2010, DAV Model School have also won their place at the Debating Mattes International Final, competing against the winners of the 2010/11 UK competition, taking place at the Institute of Ideas Battle of Ideas festival, 29-30 October 2011. 

The individual named Best Individual of the National Final was Sanchit Kumar from DAV Model School. Two other prizes were presented to: Alankar Sharma from Army School, Highly Commended; and Anguraj Duara from Maharishi Vidyamandir, Commended.

The schools competing at the final this year were:

Army School Ramakrishnapuram (Hyderabad)
DAV Model School, Sector 15 A, Chandigarh
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Cossipore (Calcutta)
Maharishi Vidyamandir School, Guwahati
National Public School, Koramangla (Bangalore)
Navarchana School, Baroda
St Thomas School New Delhi
Symbiosis College, Pune

In India Debating Matters is supported by the British Council, Ratna Sagar Pvt Limited, Shell Companies India, the Wellcome Trust and out host venue for the National Final 2010, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

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