Geetanjali High School Tops as City Qualifier for Frank Anthony Debate

Hyderabad: Students of Geetanjali High School emerged in flying colours among city schools to make it to the national level of the coveted Frank Anthony Debate, to be held later in Bengaluru.

The all-India inter-school debate competition, hosted by St Ann’s High School, Secunderabad, was for the Pool ‘A’ Category–1. Former debaters, who watched Monday’s competitions, opined that schools should foster the debate culture as it would create strong future leaders. Sr Mart Ratna, Principal of St. Ann’s High School, said “The participants were given one hour preparation time.”

Former winner Praniti Rao, moderator for this year’s competition, said, “I find that while the debate has maintained its integrity, the overall standards of the debaters have witnessed a change. While I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a downfall, there has certainly been a dip in the quality of orators. They are found wanting in meticulous and systematic presentation of their arguments. Although the confidence levels and enthusiasm are quite high among the students, this needs to be complemented with clarity in thought and speech, to make them top debaters.”