After two days of tough debate, on 15-16 January, the victors of Debating Matters India 2010 were Delhi Public School, Megacity - the winners of the East India Regional Final in November last year, and now Debating Matters India ‘Champions 2010’.

After opening round debates on India’s economic development and climate change, and clinical trials, the semi-finalists were: St. Columba’s, New Delhi and Delhi Public School, Megacity debating whether industrialisation benefits India’s rural poor, and Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai and Symbiosis Society’s College of Arts &Commerce, Pune took on the issue of India’s young politicians and the future of the nations’ politics.

The final saw a good but challenging debate between Delhi Public School arguing for the motion “Alternative medicine should be embraced as an essential part of healthcare in India” with Symbiosis Society’s College of Arts &Commerce arguing against. The debate was judged by S. Jalaja, Secretary, Department of AYUSH, Ministry Health; Dr George Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon; and Sir Mark Walport, director of The Wellcome Trust. All the judges enjoyed the debate immensely and said what an excellent project Debating Matters India is for encouraging you people to engage with ideas and issues of substance.

Speaking about the event as a whole, Sir Mark Walport said:

“I’ve seen a series of terrific, first class debates here, demonstrating that these are hard working and thoughtful young people”.

Rohan George of St. Columba’s, New Delhi, was announced as the ‘Best Individual’, alongside other students who were given individual awards for their performances over the course of the event.

All the debates were streamed live via the British Council India’s website, broadcasting to a both an Indian and British audience of friends, families and fellow debaters.

In addition to the title of ‘Champions 2010’, Delhi Public School, Megacity have also won a trip to London to take part in a showcase debate with the UK National Final winners at the Institute of Ideas Battle of Ideas festival 2010.

Thanks to all at the British Council for making us so welcome in India and for their hard in work making the event such a success. Next stop, Debating Matters India Year 3!

Debating Matters India is sponsored by Shell Companies India and The Wellcome Trust.

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