- Event Date:
15-Oct-2024
- Updated On:
16-Oct-2024
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Total Photo(s):
84
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Description:
“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” – Joseph Joubert
Is there a better way to show gratitude to your Alma Mater than by donating generously to the cause of education, especially the development of soft skills? The Inder Mohan Sethi Debate Competition, held at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, sponsored by the Stellar Trust Fund on 15th October, 2024 , held for the very first time, aimed to foster the skills of critical thinking, research, and public speaking.
The programme commenced with the President of the Literary Association, Sarthak Singh, welcoming the judges, Mrs. Divya Raj, Mr. A. Simon and Dr. P. Chaitanya, and the Chief Guest, Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi as they were escorted by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, the Additional Administrator, Mr. A. McGowan and the Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube.
To ask the Almighty for his precious blessings, Devansh Pandey led in the Scripture Reading followed by the Prayer by Shayan Zaman. The college choir then sang a beautiful prayer song guided by Mr. S. Nayak.
Shayan Zaman then, introduced the Chief Guest to the gathering. Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi, a retired IAS officer, an alumnus of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, is instrumental in keeping alive the memory of his late father, Mr. Inder Mohan Sethi, through a multi-pronged competition. An entrepreneur, he has co-authored with Ashok Lavasa, former Finance Secretary of the Government of India, his autobiography, ‘The Uncivil Servant.’
The Judges for the event were, Mrs. Divya Rai, a retired teacher of the English Department of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, who is known for dedicating her life to the art of teaching and nurturing young minds. She has inspired countless students with her deep knowledge and power of effective communication.
The second judge, Dr. Pratima Chaitanya is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Modern European Languages at the University of Allahabad. Several books and write-ups in international journals are to her credit as is her notable presence in theatre.
The third and final judge, Mr. A. Simon is a retired teacher of Humanities with over three decades of teaching experience. An ex-Josephite, he has been actively involved in nurturing talents of
The Moderator for the Debate Competition was, Mrs. Tereesa Patric, a kindergarten teacher at St. Joseph’s College for over 15 years. Having taught in SJS Shakti Nagar for 6 years, she also has a diploma in guidance and counselling.
The dignitaries were then each presented with a bouquet, as a mark of appreciation.
After the introduction of the dignitaries, the rules of the Competition were read out, following which the students strove to prove the brilliance of their arguments.
As the programme headed towards its conclusion, the Chief Guest, Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi addressed the gathering. In his speech, Sir talked about the immeasurable impact on his life and the impression left on him by his former Principals, especially, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Rego. He said that the country needs leadership which comes from soft skills engendered by Debates and Quizzes. He talked about how more creative and analytical minded people are required who can think on their feet. At last, he advised how we need to evolve with time as things become outdated while stressing on the need to read books regularly to observe a vast change in ourselves.
Dr. P. Chaitanya then addressed the audience and talked about her excitement coming to St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj. Alluding to Natya Shashtra, and the essence of performing arts, she focussed on the need to maintain eye contact while modulating one’s voice for maximum connect with one’s audience.
With that the event came to end, as it was time to declare the results.
Results-
In the Junior Category-
• At 1st position speaking FOR the motion was Daksh Abhishiktt Lyall.
• At the 1st position, speaking AGAINST the motion was Raghav Mishra.
• Runner up FOR the motion was Khwaja Ahmed Ibrahim.
• Runner up AGAINST the motion was Shaurya Goswami.
In the Senior Category-
• At 1st position speaking AGAINST the motion was Aditya Mishra.
• At 1st position speaking FOR the motion was Mohd. Sultan.
• Runner up AGAINST the motion was Sarthak Singh
• Runner up FOR the motion was Nishkarsh Gupta
Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva then took the mic and encouraged all the participants, exclaiming that they all are winners, as they have all gained precious insights. He talked about the need for discipline and punctuality as benchmarks for success in life.
A memento was presented to the dignitaries, after which the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Usmani Abdul Rehman, marking the end of the programme.
The audience dispersed after the singing of the National Anthem.