The prestigious Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter School Debate Competition under Category II, Stage II, was successfully hosted by HPSB on 18th August 2023. This engaging event brought together ten schools nationwide that had qualified for Category II. The school extended a warm welcome to all the participating schools, setting the stage for an intellectually stimulating and competitive event.
The event was graced by a panel of distinguished judges, each with their significant achievements:
Ms. Geetashyamsundar: A seasoned English teacher with an illustrious career spanning four decades and prominent leadership roles in various schools.
Ms. Reshama Kaur: Vice Chairperson of the esteemed Guru Nanak Group of Institutions in Bidar, overseeing the development of 18 educational institutions.
Mr. Vikram Polavarapu: An accomplished alumnus who holds a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is a board member of the International Alumni Advisory Council at the same university.

The event was chaired by Mr. Vineet Suresh, a notable alumnus who is a chartered accountant by profession. Mr. Suresh was also the School Debates Captain during the academic year 2008-09, and his expertise in debates was underscored by several Best Speaker awards he earned.

The proceedings commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, an act symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment. The Principal, Dr. Skand Bali, the Vice Principal, Ms. Amrita Chandra Raju, and the escort teachers of the participating schools had the honor of lighting the lamp. The school choir added to the solemnity of the occasion by melodiously singing the school song.

The audience was introduced to the esteemed Chairperson and the distinguished Judges. The Vice Principal revealed the debate topic, setting the tone for the intellectual showdown. The chosen topic was “Social Media’s Impact on Human Values,” a thought-provoking subject that ignited insightful discussions.

Among the participants, Sai Sharan Ballapuram from Gitanjali Senior School in Hyderabad stood out and was adjudged the Best Speaker for his exceptional eloquence and command of the topic. The first and second runners-up awards went to Snihitha Ravi from NPS International, Chennai, and Sebastian Xavier from Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam, Tamil Nadu, respectively.

The duo of Nayaa Padamshree and Snihitha Ravi from NPS International, Chennai, emerged as the winners, securing their spot for the upcoming nationals. The winners and all participants were recognized for their outstanding performances with medals and certificates.
As a token of appreciation and gratitude, the Vice Principal presented a memento to the Chairperson, and the judges were honored with mementos by the Principal, Dr. Bali, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the event despite their busy schedules.

The event concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, symbolizing the unity and pride that comes from diverse minds coming together to debate, learn, and grow.

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