The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala, hosted an Inter-School English Debate.
Patiala, November 12, 2025:
The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala, came alive with eloquence, intellect, and spirited argumentation as it hosted the Inter-School English Debate Competition 2025, a prestigious event that brought together young speakers from various reputed schools of the region. The debate, held in the school’s auditorium, aimed to encourage students to express their opinions, sharpen their reasoning skills, and develop confidence in public speaking.
A Platform for Young Minds
The annual Inter-School English Debate has been one of the most awaited academic events in Patiala’s inter-school calendar. Organized under the guidance of Principal Mrs. Anjali Mehra, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than fifteen schools across the city and neighboring districts.
The theme for this year’s debate was “Technology: A Blessing or a Curse for the Modern Generation?”, a topic that sparked lively exchanges, diverse perspectives, and thought-provoking ideas. Students debated passionately, bringing to light both the opportunities and challenges that technology poses in today’s fast-paced world.
Enthusiastic Participation from Leading Schools
Students from prominent institutions such as Yadavindra Public School, DAV Public School, Budha Dal Public School, and St. Xavier’s International School joined the competition. Each participant displayed remarkable confidence, clarity, and command over language.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as debaters tackled questions from the judges and rebutted opposing viewpoints with composure and wit. The audience, which included teachers, students, and parents, responded with loud applause for each strong argument and creative perspective shared on stage.
Expert Judging Panel
To ensure fairness and depth of evaluation, the panel of judges included Dr. R.K. Sharma, Professor of English at Punjabi University, Ms. Richa Khanna, a senior journalist with The Tribune, and Mr. Arjun Tandon, a corporate communication expert.
The judges commended the participants for their exceptional research, articulation, and ability to engage the audience. Dr. Sharma, while addressing the participants, remarked,
“Public speaking is not just about words; it’s about conviction. Today’s students have shown that they can think critically and express confidently — a vital skill for tomorrow’s leaders.”
Organization and Hosting
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Principal Mrs. Anjali Mehra, who emphasized the importance of debate in nurturing analytical and leadership skills among students. She encouraged participants to speak fearlessly and respect differing opinions.
Following the welcome, the school choir presented a melodious rendition of the prayer song “We Shall Overcome”, setting a tone of hope and unity. The event’s anchor, Head Girl Simran Kaur, and Head Boy Aryan Sharma, kept the audience engaged with their eloquent introductions and timely commentary between rounds.
The debate was conducted in two rounds — a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. From the initial fifteen schools, six teams advanced to the finals based on their clarity of argument, content, and delivery.
Heated Yet Respectful Exchanges
As the debate unfolded, participants showcased an impressive command over both facts and emotions. Students arguing in favor of technology cited examples of AI-powered learning, telemedicine, and scientific innovation. They argued that technology has made life more efficient, accessible, and connected.
On the other hand, opponents of the motion cautioned against excessive dependence on gadgets, privacy breaches, and the psychological toll of social media. They highlighted the loss of genuine human connection in the digital age.
One of the standout moments came when Ananya Singh from Yadavindra Public School questioned her opponent,
“If technology is a blessing, why do we feel more disconnected than ever before?”
Her question drew murmurs of appreciation from the audience, reflecting the emotional engagement the event inspired.
Results and Recognition
After an intense final round, the judges deliberated carefully before announcing the winners.
🥇 First Place: Aarav Kapoor – The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala
🥈 Second Place: Ananya Singh – Yadavindra Public School, Patiala
🥉 Third Place: Priya Sharma – Budha Dal Public School, Patiala
The Best Rebuttal Award was presented to Ritvik Mehta from DAV Public School for his sharp analytical skills and quick-witted responses.
Each winner received a trophy, certificate, and gift voucher, while all participants were awarded participation certificates for their commendable efforts.
Chief Guest’s Address
The chief guest for the event, Mr. Rajiv Malhotra, District Education Officer, congratulated all participants and highlighted the importance of critical thinking.
He said,
“Debating is not just about winning arguments; it’s about understanding perspectives. What I witnessed today gives me confidence in the next generation of leaders who can express themselves with logic and empathy.”
He also praised The British Co-Ed High School for consistently providing platforms that promote intellectual growth and confidence among students.
Behind the Scenes
The English Department of the school played a crucial role in organizing the event. Ms. Shalini Kapoor, Head of the English Department, along with teachers Ms. Neha Bhatia, Mr. Karanveer Singh, and Ms. Tanya Arora, meticulously planned every detail — from drafting invitations to preparing score sheets and coordinating with participating schools.
The school’s technical support team ensured smooth sound and projection setups, while the student volunteers managed stage transitions and hospitality for guests.
Snacks and refreshments were served to participants and guests after the preliminary round, giving everyone a chance to interact informally and exchange ideas.
A Celebration of Language and Logic
The Inter-School English Debate wasn’t just a competition — it was a celebration of language, logic, and learning. The young orators demonstrated that the art of debate remains a cornerstone of academic excellence and civic engagement.
Principal Mrs. Mehra, in her closing remarks, said,
“In an era dominated by technology and fast communication, the power of the spoken word still holds immense influence. Events like these remind us that ideas, when expressed responsibly, can change minds and inspire action.”
Her words were met with a standing ovation, symbolizing the shared belief that communication skills form the foundation of leadership and progress.
Media and Community Response
The event received coverage in local newspapers and educational blogs, highlighting the school’s efforts to encourage holistic learning. Parents expressed pride in seeing their children participate in such intellectually stimulating events.
Social media posts from the participating schools, featuring pictures and quotes from the event, further amplified its reach. Many students shared their experiences online, reflecting on how the debate helped them overcome stage fear and refine their reasoning skills.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala, has long been known for promoting not only academic achievement but also extracurricular excellence. The Inter-School English Debate 2025 was another milestone in its legacy of nurturing articulate, confident, and socially aware students.
The school announced that the next edition of the debate will introduce a new category — “Extempore Challenge”, encouraging spontaneous speaking and quick thinking.
With growing enthusiasm from schools across the region, the debate promises to become an even larger and more influential platform in the coming years.
🏁 Conclusion
The Inter-School English Debate 2025 at The British Co-Ed High School, Patiala, concluded on a high note — with applause echoing through the auditorium and pride shining on every participant’s face. The event reaffirmed that debate is more than just a contest; it is a dynamic exchange of ideas that fosters respect, confidence, and intellectual growth among young learners.
The day ended with the National Anthem, marking not only the conclusion of the event but also a celebration of India’s rich educational and linguistic heritage.
