SAI International successfully organized the 5th edition of the SAI Global Debate on January 18, 2025, highlighting the school's commitment to enhancing critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills among students. The online competition saw participation from over 300 students representing 32 schools nationwide. Esteemed guests included Ms. Rittika Chanda Parruck, MBE, Director of Education for the British Council in India, as the chief guest, and Mr. John Snell, Executive Head of Schools from England, as the guest of honor, adding gravitas to the event.
Founded by Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, the initiative seeks to nurture a generation of confident communicators and critical thinkers capable of contributing to a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future. The debate featured impressive performances in various formats—Turncoat, Extempore, and Conventional Debate. In the junior category, participants explored the ethical dimensions of governmental and corporate censorship of information online to address misinformation. Students skillfully balanced arguments for free speech against the need to regulate false information, effectively engaging the jury. The final round centered on the impact of virtual reality on educational methodologies, prompting students to assess its transformative potential amidst challenges like accessibility and reliance on technology.
The senior category delved into more intricate ethical dilemmas. The preliminary round featured a debate on the ethical justification for widespread digital surveillance by governments and corporations. The finals escalated this discourse, asking if large tech companies wield too much power and pose ethical challenges for society. Students critically articulately examined issues related to monopolies, data privacy, and the ethical responsibilities of technology giants, fostering a rigorous atmosphere marked by extensive research and persuasive rebuttal.
The 5th SAI Global Debate not only created a platform for significant dialogue but also highlighted SAI International School’s role in cultivating future leaders prepared to confront global challenges. Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka, New Delhi, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vidyasharam, K.M. Munshi Marg, Jaipur, and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vidyashram stood out for their exemplary debating skills. Other notable institutions included Blue Bells Model School, both campuses of Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, and Choithram Schools from Indore with its North Campus, contributing diversity to the event.
Additional participating schools included DAV Public School, Unit-8, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, DC Model Sr. Sec. School, KC Public School, M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, Maria's Public School, Miles Bronson Residential School, ODM International School, Angul, and ODM Sapphire Global School. Rajkumar College, Raipur, and Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur, along with Shiv Nadar School, Noida, Singapore International School, Mumbai, Sunbeam School Lahartara, The Sanskaar Valley School, and Welham Girls' School from Dehradun rounded out the esteemed list of participants. Notably, Starehe Boys’ Centre & School from Kenya added an international dimension, reinforcing the event's global scope.
In her recent address, Ms. Rittika Chanda Parruck, MBE, Director of Education at the British Council in India, expressed her admiration for the engaging discussions being held by young participants on critical societal issues. She emphasized the importance of debates surrounding contemporary topics such as digital surveillance, the impact of technology giants, and the limits of internet censorship. Ms. Parruck stressed the need for responsible technology usage, stating that discussions on how virtual reality is transforming educational approaches demonstrate the foresight of students. She highlighted the role of such platforms in enhancing critical thinking and nurturing future leaders who will navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Furthermore, she commended the initiative led by SAI and extended her best wishes to all participants.
Mr. John Snell, serving as the guest of honor, remarked on the transformative power of youth debates, underscoring the incredible potential that young individuals can realize when given avenues to explore significant global themes. He articulated the responsibility of educators to cultivate critical thinking skills and assist students in understanding the complex relationship between ethics, innovation, and societal advancement.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, echoed Mr. Snell's sentiments, expressing her enthusiasm for observing dynamic youth grapple with global challenges through thoughtful debates and innovative exchanges of ideas. She acknowledged the substantial participation from numerous schools, which played a pivotal role in the success of the global debate. The event demonstrated a strong commitment from both students and educators in fostering important discussions about relevant issues, thereby laying a firm groundwork for future leadership.
Shri Nilakantha Panigrahi, Director of Academics and Senior Principal at SAI International School, reflected on the occasion, noting that the platform provided opportunities for collaboration, idea-sharing, and growth. He remarked, “This platform goes beyond competition; it is a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and growth. It empowers young minds to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore diverse perspectives, and shape a more thoughtful and equitable future.”
Supporting this view, Shri Amitabh Agnihotri, Headmaster of SAI International Residential School (SIRS), praised the initiative, stating that witnessing the brilliance of the young participants filled him with optimism. He expressed confidence in their energy, eloquence, and depth of thought, affirming that such qualities assure a capable future for society. He characterized the debates as more than mere competitions, describing them instead as transformative experiences that are crucial in shaping the visionaries of tomorrow.
The sentiments shared by the speakers highlight the profound impact that dialogue, critical thinking, and informed discussions can have on young minds, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the modern world. Collectively, they recognize the importance of initiatives that nurture and empower the youth, emphasizing the value of collaboration and diverse perspectives in fostering a more thoughtful and equitable future.