ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

The Inder Mohan Sethi Debate Competition - 2nd Edition 

"Debate is the art of contradicting without confuting; of advancing views without advancing them in anger; of thinking alongside another person, even when you think differently from him." 

- Joseph E. Corrigan

The morning of November 1st, 2025, witnessed an exceptional gathering at the Hogan Hall as the Literary Association, under the auspices of the Stellar Trust, orchestrated the second edition of the prestigious Inder Mohan Sethi Debate Competition. What unfolded was not merely another school event, but a celebration of eloquence, intellectual rigor, and the timeless art of reasoned discourse.

Shayaan Zaman, the President of The Literary Association, opened the proceedings with a warm and gracious welcome to the assembled guests, judges, and participants. The spiritual and ceremonial foundation of the gathering was established with reverence as Aarav Sharma, the General Secretary, led the Scripture Reading and Prayer, invoking blessings upon all those present. 

The programme paid thoughtful homage to the architects of this legacy. Farhan Arshad, the Vice President, introduced the ceremonial planting of saplings, a beautiful metaphor for growth and the continuity of excellence. Abhishek Sharma delivered a poignant introduction to the memory and contributions of the late Mr. Inder Mohan Sethi, while Aarav eloquently presented the amazing achievements and accolades of the debate's generous benefactor, Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi. Vishesh Dhar Dwivedi, the Treasurer, extended a dignified introduction to our esteemed and highly respected principal, Rev. Father Walter D'silva, completing the meaningful acknowledgment of those whose inspiration and vision had made this competition possible.

The competition was graced by an exceptionally distinguished panel of judges whose expertise and discernment ensured the credibility and fairness of all proceedings. Mrs. Divya Raj, Mrs. Namita Verma, and Mr. Alwyn Simon were ably introduced by Mohd. Ismail, Farhan Arshad and Vishesh Dhar Dwivedi respectively. The highly learned panel of adjudicators brought their collective wisdom to bear in evaluating speakers across all categories.

Mohd. Ismail, the Organising Secretary, then outlined the rules and framework governing the competition, ensuring that all participants operated within a structure designed to maintain decorum while encouraging an exciting intellectual crossfire. The event  moderated by Shayaan Zaman, the President of the Literary Association, progressed as speakers from the Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior categories took to the stage, each bringing their unique voice and perspective. The atmosphere in the Hogan Hall was filled with energy as participants delivered carefully crafted arguments, launched incisive rebuttals, and engaged in grilling questioning, it stands as a testament to the caliber of speakers that the school had nurtured.

Following the rigorous competitive rounds, our beloved Principal, Rev. Father Walter D'silva took the stage to address the assembly. In remarks that underscored the profound importance of debate as a crucible for developing communication skills, critical thinking, and intellectual integrity, the Principal emphasised how such competitions serve as vital instruments in shaping not just better speakers, but better citizens and thinkers.

The moment of celebration arrived as winners across multiple categories were recognised. In the Senior Category, for Best Speaker for the Motion, Abhimanyu Dixit secured the first position, followed by Raghav Mishra in second place and Vihaan Katiyar in third. For Best Speaker against the Motion in the Senior Category, Shaurya Goswami emerged victorious, with Om Tiwari and Ansh Pathak claiming the second and third positions respectively.

In the Junior Category, Yasharth Singh captured the top honors for Best Speaker for the Motion with Rizwan Rahaman and Varad Shukla claiming the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively, while Khwaja Ahmad Ebrahim dominated the opposition category with a commanding first-place finish followed by Ahmad Alman and Prajit Srivastava in the second and third places respectively. The Sub-Junior Category saw Kiyan Basamsetti claim the Best Speaker for the motion followed by Ojashwa Tiwari and Aarjav Shukla claiming the 2nd and 3rd positions. Pranay Tripathi claimed the top spot for Best Speaker against the Motion, followed by Atharva Vardhan Singh and Mohd. Ashaz bagging the second and third places. Each recipient of these prestigious accolades walked away not merely with commendation but with cash prizes, a recognition of their intellectual prowess and rhetorical finesse.

Farhan rose to extend the heartfelt gratitude of the Literary Association, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the judges, the passionate and articulate participants, the supportive audience, and the dedicated organising committee. Special thanks were extended to Mrs. Menezes, Mrs. V. Paul, and Mrs. T. Patric for their meticulous efforts in tabulation and prize distribution, ensuring that the recognition of excellence was handled with precision and care. The Association also expressed its deep appreciation to Mr. Vivek for capturing the event through his lens, preserving the memories and moments of brilliance for posterity.

As the formal proceedings drew to a close, Ms. A. J. D'Cruz, Chairperson of the Literary Association, delivered an address that was truly beyond any conventional closing remark. Ma'am's message was both inspiring and deeply moving, resonating with profound wisdom that extended far beyond the boundaries of the event itself.

Ms. D'Cruz spoke eloquently about the paramount importance of remembering our parents and of carrying their legacies forward with pride and purpose. She reminded all present that our achievements are built upon the foundations our parents have laid, and that true success lies in honouring their memory through our actions and choices. After all, the Inder Mohan Sethi Debate was started by his son, Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi in the loving memory of all that his father stood for and the values that he instilled in him. Ma'am then drew attention to a simple yet profoundly symbolic element, the school uniform. Far from being merely a dress code, she articulated, it represents the bonds that unite our school as a family. We are not simply students and teachers occupying the same physical space, but members of a larger community bound by shared values and mutual respect. The uniform, she emphasised, is a tangible reminder of this familial connection as an integral part of our identity.

Finally, Ms. D'Cruz spoke with stirring conviction about the power and responsibility of choice. Ma'am, illuminated how every decision we make, whether in debate, in academics, or in the broader landscape of life is an exercise of our minds. She encouraged all the students present to choose wisely, choose with courage, and choose in alignment with their highest values, for it is through such deliberate and conscientious choices that we become the architects of our own destinies.

The Inder Mohan Sethi Debate Competition, in its second edition, has firmly established itself as one of the most significant intellectual events in the school calendar. Under the visionary stewardship of the Literary Association, this competition transcends the conventional boundaries of a school event to become a celebration of human eloquence, democratic values, and the pursuit of truth through reason. 
As participants, judges, and spectators departed from the Hogan Hall that afternoon, they carried with them memories of brilliant oratory and memorable arguments, but more importantly, a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of debate, a power that shapes citizens, refines minds, and builds bridges of understanding across even the deepest differences.