Battle of Minds: Haryana school ignites intellectual sparks

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 stands as a transformative blueprint, poised to reshape the educational landscape of India. Envisioned as a comprehensive and forward-thinking policy, NEP 2020 carries the weight of being the guiding force for the nation’s education system. Its significance extends beyond mere reforms; it represents a paradigm shift aimed at fostering holistic development, critical thinking, and global competitiveness among India’s youth.

By highlighting flexibility, creativity, and a multidisciplinary approach, the policy seeks to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. As the nation grapples with the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, NEP 2020 emerges as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive, innovative, and globally relevant education system that empowers the youth to contribute meaningfully to India’s progress.

In a dazzling display of intellectual prowess and eloquence, Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, recently hosted the prestigious Dr Stya Paul Memorial Inter-School Debate Tournament. The focal point of this riveting competition was the exploration of the profound impact of the NEP 2020, particularly the move towards teaching in the mother tongue.

The event commenced with a poignant floral tribute to the late Dr Stya Paul, the visionary founder of Apeejay Education, whose indelible contributions as an industrialist, educationist, and philanthropist continue to shape India’s industrial and educational landscape.

A total of 26 erudite participants from 13 schools passionately articulated their perspectives on the rationale, execution, and potential future effects of adopting the mother tongue as per the national education policy. The participants, a diverse array of young minds, showcased not only their well-researched arguments but also their refined public-speaking and critical-thinking skills.

The debate unfolded as a clash of contrasting views, with proponents asserting that cognitive and intellectual development thrives in one’s mother tongue, while opponents argued that linguistic diversity fosters better communication in a globalised world.

The atmosphere crackled with energy as each participant presented compelling arguments and counter-arguments. The audience, captivated by the exchange of ideas, responded with cheers and applause. The depth of talent in the room left a lasting impression, and the thought-provoking points raised by the participants lingered in the minds of all present.

The panel of judges, comprising three eminent personalities in the field, faced the challenging task of evaluating participants based on content, delivery, and rebuttal skills. Dr Sunita Grewal, Associate Professor in Ecology at JVMGRR College, Charkhi Dadri; Dr Sunita Goyal, Assistant Professor at JVMGRR College; and Mrs Sudesh Phogat, Lecturer in English at Apeejay Saraswati College, brought their expertise to bear in ensuring a fair and transparent competition.

The winners were eventually unveiled, adding a climactic moment to the proceedings. Base Model School claimed the coveted first position, securing the winner’s trophy, while Sarvodya School and RED School clinched the second and third positions, respectively. Varsha from RED School was honoured as the Best Speaker, a testament to her articulate expression and persuasive prowess.

Amidst the applause and celebration, the distinguished judges shared their insights, noting the significance of such events in nurturing critical thinking and public speaking skills among students. Mr Rudrendra Basak, the Principal, Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri distributed the well-deserved prizes and lauded the participants for their articulate expression of thoughts and opinions.

In his closing remarks, Mr Basak expressed gratitude to the esteemed judges for their valuable time and underscored the debate competition’s role in enhancing students’ critical thinking abilities. He assured the audience of more such enriching activities in the school’s future, cementing Apeejay’s commitment to holistic education.