When we entered APS, discipline and patriotism were the two main characteristics we expected in each student. We were not disappointed. We were however pleasantly surprised to experience a whole lot of self-confidence, a strong sense of belief in each question they asked and a self-assured poise that is so essential for a potential debater. Despite a slow start to the workshop we soon found the students being increasingly responsive. As they became more involved in the various facets of debating we were exposing them too, the level and incisiveness of each interjection directed at us improved substantially in quality. I was particularly impressed with the way they questioned assumptions that were inherent to some motions we took up for practice.
The argumentation that went on while deciding what was a 'relevant' issue, was in itself heartening.
We debated the motion "THW impose high taxes on cigarettes in India". What once again was a pleasant surprise was that the students comprehended with relative ease complex concepts as the 'Harm Principle' and 'volenti non-fit injuria'...terms around which most arguments were built. The verdict was in favour of the opposition with a near unanimous number (with only a single exception!). However, the reasons ascribed by some students while giving us the rationale for their decisions showed that they understood what was central to the debate and what wasn't. After all that we were witness to, I am confident that APS has a bright and successful debating future.
Dibyojyoti Mainak
II yr student, NLSIU
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