44 speakers, one urgent climate question

Debate plays a vital role in shaping confident, informed and articulate students. It teaches them to examine issues from different perspectives, question assumptions and present ideas with clarity. More importantly, it nurtures respectful disagreement, helping young people listen carefully, think critically and respond with reason rather than impulse.

A fitting example of this spirit was witnessed at Apeejay School, Noida, where young speakers came together to exchange ideas with confidence, clarity and conviction at the 10th Dr Stya Paul Inter-school English Debate. It brought together young speakers from 22 schools across Delhi-NCR. A total of 44 students participated in the competition, presenting arguments on one of the most pressing global concerns of the present time.

The annual debate was instituted in memory of Dr Stya Paul, Founder-Chairman, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group. An eminent industrialist, educationist, philanthropist and freedom fighter, Dr Stya Paul strongly believed in empowering young minds through meaningful education.

The competition was judged by Ms Vandana Tandon, a trained counsellor and communication expert with extensive experience in public speaking, debating, leadership development and career guidance, and Ms Sonia Jaitly, a corporate trainer and leadership coach specialising in communication, employability and behavioural sciences. Also present at the event were Dr Neha Sharma, Director-Principal, and Ms Amrita Hajela, Vice-Principal of Apeejay School, Noida.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the school management and the distinguished judges. This was followed by a Bengali folk dance celebrating the homecoming of Goddess Durga and symbolising strength, wisdom and the triumph of good over evil. The graceful Bengali folk dance captivated the audience with its vibrant expressions, coordinated movements and powerful portrayal of Goddess Durga’s homecoming. The performance set an uplifting and culturally rich tone for the event.

The motion for the debate was Building Resilience is the Only Way to Tackle Climate Change. Before the debate began, the participants were briefed about the competition rules. Each school was represented by two students, with one speaking for the motion and the other against it. Every speaker was given three minutes, with a warning bell at two-and-a-half minutes. The participants were judged on content, relevance, expression, diction, voice and overall impact. Reading from a script was not permitted.

Giving a warm welcome to the esteemed judges and addressing the gathering, Dr Sharma highlighted the importance of questioning, discussion and debate in developing new ideas.  “I am certain they will hear many interesting arguments and insightful ideas from our young leaders. Debating encourages us to question, think and examine ideas carefully. Without discussion or inquiry, we risk accepting things without truly applying our minds,” she said.

When we debate, we work through confusion, discover fresh perspectives and arrive at a deeper understanding, the Principal added. “These are skills that help us not only today but throughout our lives. I hope the participants will not merely speak on the topic, but also understand the larger thought behind it. More importantly, I hope they will take home the ideas they find valid, valuable and worth implementing.” She shared.

It was then time for the debaters to take the centre stage. As each team member presented their arguments, the debate brought forth a compelling range of perspectives. Speakers supporting the motion stated that global warming is no longer a distant threat but a present reality.

They argued that climate resilience through flood management, early-warning systems, disaster preparedness, drought-resistant farming and climate-responsive infrastructure can protect communities immediately. Examples from Bangladesh and the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School in Jaisalmer demonstrated how preparedness and thoughtful design can reduce climate-related risks.

Those opposing the motion argued that resilience alone cannot tackle global warming because it addresses the consequences rather than the root cause. They compared adaptation to placing buckets under a leaking roof without repairing it. Speakers stressed the need to reduce emissions, shift to cleaner energy, protect forests and limit fossil-fuel consumption.

They also highlighted the threat climate change poses to coral reefs, forests and species that cannot adapt quickly enough. Several participants maintained that mitigation and resilience must work together, with one helping communities survive present crises and the other preventing future damage. The arguments reflected careful research, confident expression and an impressive ability to examine the issue from multiple perspectives.

The arguments reflected careful research, confident expression and the students’ ability to examine environmental, economic and humanitarian concerns from multiple perspectives.

Taking the stage, Ms Tandon said, “I would like to thank each one of you for bringing forward your views. I also appreciate the wonderful comperes, the timekeeper and everyone involved in organising this event so beautifully. I listened to each presentation very carefully, perhaps a little too carefully. I noticed the pronunciation, diction and repeated use of certain words, but believe me, the entire experience was a beautiful ride. I have a question for everyone present here. You all spoke very passionately about what can be done. Irrespective of whether you spoke for or against the motion, I want you to introspect and ask yourself: What am I personally doing about it? I hope each one of you thinks about this and decides to do something. Let us not restrict these conversations to auditoriums, drawing rooms, conference rooms or conventions. Let us take them to the grassroots. Let us begin with small steps and create meaningful change.”

With a similar stance, Ms Jaitly shared, “You have all done an amazing job. I sat there listening to each one of you, and I know that it takes a great deal of courage to come up on stage and speak with such conviction. When we think about it, what we recognise as resilience today may have begun as mitigation or preparation several years ago. Therefore, the issue is not simply about being for or against one approach. We certainly need resilience, but we must also explore how we can come together and work on long-term solutions. So, congratulations to all the participants. Irrespective of who wins, each one of you is a winner.”

Then came the highlight of the event, the prize distribution. Saadhya Prakash of Mayoor School, Noida, was adjudged the Best Speaker. The Second Best Speaker and Third Best Speaker awards were presented to Tara Dutta of Step by Step School, Noida, and Nitya Mohan of Somerville School, Noida, respectively. The coveted Dr Stya Paul Rolling Trophy for the Best Team was lifted by Somerville School, Noida.

As the enriching event drew to a close, it served as a reminder that the true purpose of debate extends beyond argument. It lies in nurturing informed minds, encouraging respectful dialogue and developing the courage to question established ideas.

The 10th Dr Stya Paul Inter-school English Debate at Apeejay School, Noida, concluded with the hope that the spirit of inquiry, fearless expression and mutual respect would continue to guide every participant.