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St. Jude's School Hosts the Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition 2026 (C
St. Jude's School, Dehradun, had the distinct honour of hosting the Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition 2026 for Category II (Classes IX & X) on 24th of July 2026. Organised under the aegis of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), the prestigious Event brought together some of the city's finest young orators, providing them with an enriching platform to demonstrate their eloquence, critical thinking, and persuasive abilities. Instituted in memory of Mr. Frank Anthony (1908–1993)—an eminent educationist, parliamentarian, and the visionary behind the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations—the competition continues to honour his enduring legacy of academic excellence, articulate expression, and intellectual inquiry. The Programme commenced with a cordial welcome to the distinguished Judges, participating Schools, Teachers and Students by the comperes, setting the tone for an intellectually stimulating day. The Event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. Ena Banerjee, Principal of St. Xavier's School, Dehradun. A distinguished educationist with over 33 years of experience, she has been the recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Award and the Global Education Excellence Award. The topic for the debate was: Ecotourism is more harmful than beneficial in practice. The Event witnessed spirited participation from St. Joseph's Academy, St. Thomas' College, Welham Girls' School, Raja Rammohan Roy Academy, Marshall School, Mount Fort Academy, The Himalayan Public School, and Le Grand International School. The participants impressed the audience with their well-researched arguments, articulate presentations, and incisive rebuttals, making the contest both intellectually engaging and highly competitive. The proceedings were skilfully moderated by Mrs. N. Mehra, while Mr. J. S. Panwar discharged his responsibilities as the Timekeeper with remarkable precision, ensuring the seamless conduct of the competition. The participants were adjudged by an eminent panel comprising Mrs. V. Kalia, Mrs. S. Devgan, and Mrs. M. Arora, whose discerning evaluation and valuable observations enriched the experience for all. Following an engaging and closely contested Preliminary Round, Ms. M. Gardner, Principal of St. Jude's School, announced the results. Krit Kaur, St. Joseph’s Academy was declared the Best Speaker, while Abhyudaya Singh Dutta, Marshalls School was adjudged the First Runner-up Speaker. Krit Kaur and Samaira Kukreja, St. Joseph’s Academy emerged as the Winners of the Preliminary Round and qualified for the Selection Stage of the Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition 2026. Certificates of Merit were presented to the Best Speaker, Runners-up and the two speakers of the Winning Team. Certificates of Participation were awarded to all the participants in recognition of their commendable efforts and enthusiastic participation. In her inspiring address, Dr. Ena Banerjee congratulated the participants on their commendable performances and encouraged them to cultivate independent thought, communicate with confidence, and uphold the values of respectful and meaningful discourse. Emphasising that debating is far more than a contest of words, she highlighted its role in fostering critical thinking, confidence, empathy and responsible citizenship, while inspiring students to express their ideas with conviction and integrity. The Programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. M. Gardner, Principal of St. Jude's School. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Judges, participating Schools, Teacher escorts, organisers, volunteers, and everyone whose wholehearted support and dedicated efforts contributed to the resounding success of the Event. The Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition 2026 stood as a fitting tribute to Mr. Frank Anthony's vision, celebrating the power of informed dialogue, reasoned argument, and intellectual excellence. More than a contest of words, it served as an inspiring platform that nurtured confidence, fostered mutual respect, and empowered young minds to become thoughtful communicators and responsible citizens.
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