It is rightly said, “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."

On the eventful morning of 15th May, 2018, the English Department of DPS Sharjah conducted The Inter-house Debate Competition for grades 9 and 11, which was the apt platform for our buzzing future leaders to showcase their prowess in constructively arguing over issues that face our generation. Apart from being a well conducted event, the healthy debates that took place not only grilled the talented participants, but they also stirred the minds of each and everyone in the audience and compelled them to put their thinking caps on and wonder which party has a better stance.

The honorable chief guests and adjudicators who added to the debate with their judgement and valuable insights were Ms. Nishita Bhayani and Ms. Chandni Rai. The moderator for the day was Ms. Manya Walia.

The Boys Debate competition kicked off with great vigor, with our enthusiastic participants debating over a rather controversial motion that governs each of our lives - ‘Technology serves as a barrier to social relationships’. The team ‘for’ the motion consisted of Aneesh, Jeewan, Samved, and Hamad; whereas the team ‘against’ consisted of Arman, Janak, Sidhharth, and Aaron. The debate was fiery and absolutely grueling, leaving the audience confused about whether technology truly serves its intended purpose of connecting the world. Danube House took away the Best Team award- The team comprising of Janak Parikshit Jain and Samved Bagavadeeshwar. The best speaker (for) the motion was awarded to Hamad Hejazi of Amazon House and the best speaker (against) was bagged by Janak Parikshit Jain of Danube House.

The Girls Debate competition spawned over an intense motion - ‘Destiny outshines Hard Work’. The team ‘for’ the motion consisted of Srushti, Ramisha, Divya Sree, and Nikita; whereas the team ‘against’ consisted of Shreya, Sanjana, Sana, and Reni. The debate touched struck the emotional chords within each one us, spellbinding each of us. The Best team was awarded to Amazon House – The team comprising of Ramisha Arora and Sanjana Panicker. The best speaker (for) the motion was bagged by Ramisha Arora of Amazon House and the best speaker (against) the motion was awarded to Shreya Mishra of Danube House.

Overall, the event was a huge success where not only questions were answered, but even answers were questioned.