Jamshedpur, July 14: The Zonal Round of the prestigious Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition – Category I was held with great enthusiasm at Kerala Public School, Kadma. This year’s debate centered around a thought-provoking and timely topic: “AI in Education will widen the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged students.”
The event, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., witnessed participation from 30 students representing 15 leading ICSE schools in and around Jamshedpur. The competition was marked by logical reasoning, sharp articulation, and powerful arguments, reflecting the intellectual caliber of the young debaters.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a soulful prayer song, and a welcome address by the host Principal, Ms. Sharmila Mukherjee. She extended greetings to the dignitaries, participants, and guests and expressed pride in hosting the prestigious debate.
The panel of judges comprised Dr. (Ms.) D. K. Dhanjal, retired Principal of Graduate College and an expert in English Literature; Dr. Basudhara Roy, poet, critic, and Assistant Professor at Karim City College; and Dr. Anita Choudhary, Professor at Kolhan University. The debate was chaired by Mr. Abhishek Sinha, Head of the English Department at KPS Kadma.
As per the Council’s rules, awards were given in select categories. Arushi Kar of Narbheram Hansraj English School (NHES) was adjudged Best Speaker for her eloquent and well-reasoned arguments. NHES, represented by Arushi Kar and Deeplekha Mandal, was declared the Winning Team, while Carmel Junior College secured the First Runner-up Team position. Lakshita Choudhary from Loyola School was named First Runner-up Speaker.
Both NHES and Carmel Junior College have earned the opportunity to represent the zone in Stage II (Selection Round) of the Frank Anthony Memorial Debate, where they will compete against winners from other zones.
The event concluded with the formal declaration of results and a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Alamelu Ravishankar, Headmistress of KPS Kadma. The day celebrated the power of youthful intellect, debate, and democratic expression, leaving the audience enriched by diverse perspectives on the future of AI in education.
