The British Council India and the Institute of Ideas launch the third year of Debating Matters India. This year the competition will double in size to allow even more Indian students to take part and experience Debating Matters.

After the online elimination tests (which last year saw over 400 schools apply), the Indian Regional Finals will then be held in eight cities across the country: Delhi and Chandigarh in the North, Mumbai and Ahmedabad in the West, Chennai and Bangalore in the South and Guwahati and Kolkata in the East.

Ruth Gee, Director of the British Council India and Sri Lanka, says of Debating Matters India:

“Debating Matters India is very different from other school debate competitions and seeks to encourage students to engage with the specifics and complexities of issues that arise in the real world today. 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.”

Deepak Mukarji, Country Head, Corporate Affairs of Shell Companies in India, said of their continued support of the competition in India:

“This is the second year we are extending our support to Debating Matters and we are delighted to do so. Debating Matters allows the young generation to engage with real issues that concern us all. Many of the problems we live with today, say climate change, poverty, identity or bio-diversity, transcend borders and by getting young people to debate some of these issues in depth we are preparing them for the future.”

Atiya Zaidi, Publisher, Ratna Sagar, said of their support of this years competition:

“We are delighted to partner the British Council in this unique initiative that promotes holistic education in school, inculcates a spirit of inquiry in students and inspires them to probe issues in depth.”

The Director of Debating Matters, Tony Gilland, said:

“We are delighted Indian students and teachers have so appreciated the distinctive approach of Debating Matters and given such a good account of themselves, both in terms of their research into complex issues and their ability to convey and defend their arguments under pressure.”

Debating Matters India 2010 dates

Regional Finals
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata: 27 September 2010
Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Guwahati: 29 September 2010

National Final
Chennai: 18 – 20 November 2010

Debating Matters India is supported by Shell Group of Companies India as Title Sponsors and Ratna Sagar Pvt Limited as Education Partners.

FURTHER HELP

For more information about Debating Matters India, or if you would like to see Debating Matters in your country, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).