BCS, Shimla Hosts Thrilling Quarter-Finals of 27th Rev. Dr. Samuel Slater Memorial Debates

The Quarter-Finals of the XXVII Rev. Dr Samuel Slater Memorial Invitational English Debates. The 8 teams from the 16 teams have qualified for the quarter-final round. The day began with a blast as the first debate tackled a philosophical and conceptually enticing topic: “Bravery is a dying concept .” Assam Valley School supported the motion, while Bishop Cotton School, Shimla opposed it. The debate showcased an impressive exchange of ideas, with the proposition enumerating the decreasing acts of bravery while the proposition focused on bravery never ending till humanity ceases to exist. On the other hand, the opposition focused on providing statistics and compelling information by stating that bravery has not been keeping up with the times and hence is devolving. Bishop Cotton School team triumphed in this scholastic battle, securing a place in the Semi-Finals by defeating Assam Valley School team
A very expressive and zealous debate unfolded between, the Wynberg-Allen School, Mussoorie representing the proposition, and the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Dehradun opposing it. The motion stated, “Capitalism’s relentless pursuit of wealth is not the path for sustainable prosperity.”The opposition contended that Capitalistic companies focus more on environmental growth over government prospects while the proposition emphasised the degradation caused by a capitalistic mindset. The motion was carried in favour of Wynberg-Allen School’s team but faced stiff competition from the eloquent speakers of the Convent of Jesus and Mary’s team.
Two formidable teams battled head-to-head to claim victory by substantiating their stance, The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai supported the motion “Our education system is nurturing well-informed conformists, not future visionaries.” while the Mallinson Girls’ School, Srinagar vehemently denounced the stance. The former victors emerged victorious defeating the contenders from The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. The debate that left the audience and judges awestruck was fought between GEMS New Millenium School, Dubai, proposing “Obedience does not imply discipline.” and Sherwood College, Nainital opposing the stance. The importance of obedience overshadowed the contradiction and paved the way for Sherwood College to qualify.
The upcoming confrontation will truly test the academic mettle of the semi-finalists and pave the way for the victors of the 27th Slater Debates. The following teams have qualified for the semi-finals: Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Mallinson Girls School, Srinagar, Wynberg- Allen School, Mussoorie, Sherwood College, Nainital. We await for the exciting clashes we get to see tomorrow as we declare the winners of the XXVII REVD Slater Memorial Invitational Inter-School English Debates.