Young minds clash: APS Dagshai emerges as joint runners-up in national debate

Army Public School (APS), Dagshai, reaffirmed its reputation as a powerhouse of debating talent by emerging as joint first runners-up alongside Pinegrove School, Dharampur, in the 8th Mohinder Memorial Bilingual Turncoat Debate, which recently concluded at Pinegrove School, Dharampur.

Known for its powerful oratory and sharp reasoning, the APS Dagshai team impressed judges with confidence, intellectual depth and clarity of thought, leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious platform. The event brought together eloquent bilingual debaters from 13 renowned schools across India, making it a vibrant showcase of wit, rhetoric and analytical skill.

The debate was graced by Inder Jeet Mittal, Former Deputy Director, Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, Government of India, as the chief guest. Out of 26 articulate participants, 17 advanced to the final round after a rigorous shortlisting by the judging panel. The finalists engaged in a spirited exchange on the motion “Using Artificial Intelligence in surveillance is a violation of fundamental rights.” Their performances reflected not only their individual brilliance but also the growing relevance of contemporary issues in student debates.

Pinegrove School, Subathu, lifted the prestigious Winners’ Trophy, while Wynberg-Allen School, Mussoorie, secured third place, epitomising the spirit of healthy competition. Among individual honours, Riquezza Diwan of Pinegrove School, Dharampur, won the first prize, followed by Aryan Sirswal of Pinegrove School, Subathu, in second place and APS Dagshai’s own Khushmeet Saini, who claimed third.

Seven participants — Simrath (Pinegrove, Subathu), Nishika Kumbhat (Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur), Jhanvi Singh (St Soldier Divine Public School, Panchkula), Shaurya Bansal and Saumya Gupta (Wynberg-Allen, Mussoorie), Ekam Kaur (Pinegrove, Dharampur) and Hamreet Kaur (Vivek High School, Chandigarh) — were also felicitated with consolation medals.

The event concluded on a note of camaraderie and inspiration, celebrating the triumph of ideas and the spirit of constructive dialogue that will continue to inspire young debaters in the years ahead.