News32nd edition of Oliphant Memorial Debates 26-08-2022

Welham Boys' School organised the 32nd edition of The Oliphant Memorial Debates on August 26 and 27, 2022. This prestigious annual debate is held in memory of Ms Oliphant, the school’s Founder.

 

Over the last thirty-two years, the debate has been conducted in several formats, and this year's edition followed the British Parliamentary format. The tournament saw the participation of 12 teams, share the dais and engage in meaningful discussions on issues pertaining to socio-economic and political domains. After three intense rounds of debating, eight teams qualified for the semi-finals. The topic for the semi-finals was The House believes that China and India should contribute to the fight against climate change as much as the global west. The teams that made it into the semi-finals were – Shiv Nadar School, Mayo College, St. Joseph’s Academy, Welham Boys’ School, RIMC, Vasant Valley, Emerald Heights, and Assam Valley. The best speaker in the Semi-final round was Shubhankar Dhulia from Welham Boys’ School.

After the highly competitive semi-finals, Shiv Nadar, Mayo College, Welham Boys’, and St Joseph’s Academy qualified for the Finals. The topic for the Final Debate was, 'This House believes in establishing paternal consent for abortion. In an incredibly well-contested and close final, St Joseph’s Academy bagged the coveted trophy, while Mayo Boys’ College was placed second

The concluding debate was presided over by Mr Atul Sethi, one of the most acclaimed Indian journalists.   He is the recipient of the prestigious Charles Wallace Fellowship for research studies in the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, UK, and has also been felicitated with the Jefferson Media Fellowship by the US government think-tank, East-West Centre. 

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the School Captain, Arnav Goel.