Debating has been an integral skill building module in school life for many students. It has more merits than any other extra - curricular activities, as it improves knowledge of just about every aspect of life imaginable. While preparing for debates, students are expected to engage in extensive research and gain an understanding of some of the world’s pressing issues. This enables critical thinking and hones public speaking skills.
To profess this method of learning in school, RKK invited Mr Easwar Anand Thampi to conduct a workshop from
29th February to 8th March 2020 for the young debaters. It was attended by the following best 50 students, very rightly called
'SUPER 50' of the school. Students who participated in this workshop were - P B Liana, Mehayee Kavia, Lavina Bhawnani, Satakshi Sati, Arunima Singh, Sharanyya Dave, Anushka Kadu, Avantika Mishra, Saanjhi Jain, Gunraj Singh Chouhan, Sushila Bishnoi, Lavanya Singh, Dhritih Kandpal, Suhani Baheti, Nikita Vijayan, Soumya Joshi, Devyani Rathore, Sheetal Johari, Michelle Crispin Johny, Nehal Gehlot, Jaya Sankhala, Eva Mehta, Shreya Parakh, Bhumika Ayani, Gunjan Jangid, Palak Laddha, Ashmi Shrimali, Niharika Pamnani, Divya Vishnoi, Gauri Baxi, Harshita Bhandari, Lauren, Manasvi Salecha, Mannat Mehta, Mumal Deora, Arya Bhootra, Kumkum Chouhan, Hemangini Bhati, Bhavi Kumbhat, Sanghmitra Maheshwari, Niharika Singhvi, Mansi Agarwal, Tisha Jain, Chesta Chopra, Palak Maheshwari, Urvi pratap Singh, Aditi Singh, Dakshita Tak and Shivranjani Shekhawat.
The aim of the workshop was to provide students a better understanding of the concepts nuances and techniques important in competitive debate. This 9 days’ workshop included various modules, extempore sessions, movie screenings, mock debates and extensive discussions on the topics like Kashmir and Article 370, LGBTQ rights, the scars of Partition, Hate speeches should be banned, Reservations, and many more. The wide range of topics kept students engaged and enthusiastic throughout the workshop. 100% attendance showed their motivation. The session was well received by all the participants, as they were able to clarify many doubts around debating and also understand the global norms around the same. The inputs received during the workshop will certainly enable students to better prepare ‘ONE STEP UP’ their debating skills.
