It was Thursday morning ­– the usual school day, with students adjusting their bags on their shoulders, and walking in line towards the school…quite nervous and a bit excited, since it was exam time. But for Taarakbhai Trivedi and Meghbhai Rathod of Grade 9, and for Smitbhai Patel and Yathanshbhai Joshi of Grade 11, it wasn’t a normal school day, nor did they walk in a line. Yes, they were quite nervous and excited as well, not for the exams, but for the debate they were going to engage in that very afternoon.

It was the day when the four of us were to finally go and represent AVM for the final round of the Nanubhai Amin Science, Environment and Society Debate Competition organized by and held at Navrachana University, Vadodara. The topic was – “Euthanasia or Physician Assisted Suicide should be made legal”, with Taarakbhai and Meghbhai comprising the proposition team and Smitbhai and Yathanshbhai comprising the opposition team.

Both the teams had won the regional rounds held during July which gave us a boost of confidence and encouragement to work harder and prepare well for the final round. The practice sessions involved rigorous training and guidance from Prajval Sir and Prabhudarshan Sir, wherein they would help us refine our thoughts so that we become eloquent in the art of debating.

And the Big Day had arrived. At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, 29th September 2016, the debate began in Navrachana University. Both the teams showed great passion while giving speeches and debating with finalists from other schools, and made quite an impression on the judges.

And the hard-work paid off. The proposition team led by Taarakbhai and Meghbhai clinched the first place and made the school proud. It was a moment of satisfaction and happiness for the teachers too as their guidance had yielded the desired result. Although the opposition team couldn’t make it to the very top, it was an excellent learning experience for them too.

The day was eventful for all….as that day, once again, we felt the ever-flowing grace of Swamishree on us. Moreover, we had just engaged in one of the most favourite activities of Swamiji – Debating.

Reported by: Taarak Trivedi ; Megh Rathod (Class 9) & Smit Patel ; Yathansh Joshi (Class 11)