SFHS PDC 2020 – OPENING CEREMONY

November 28, 2020

The much-awaited Sixth Edition of the Strawberry Fields High School Parliamentary Debate Championship began today with an engaging and inspiring inaugural ceremony. Although conducted on an online platform for the very first time, due to unprecedented circumstances, this did not hamper the spirit of the enthusiastic participants.

 

The morning unfurled with the viewing of a captivating opening video that highlighted the art of debating from the lens of women. Then, the Keynote Speaker for the morning was welcomed. Lieutenant General Kamal Jit Singh, who retired as the general officer commanding-in-chief of Western Command, has since then been conferred with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair of Excellence, in Punjab University and appointed as Advisor to the Chief Minister of Haryana. A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Bar, he addressed the audience and shared his experience and wisdom on various parliamentary systems and the qualities of a great debater.

 

We were then joined by our Chief Guest, Ms. Barkha Dutt, a trailblazer in the field of Indian Journalism, a recipient of the Padma Shri, and an award-winning reporter, columnist, and author. Ms. Dutt highlighted the necessity of being a confident speaker and asserted the importance of co-curricular activities along with academic focus. One of the few journalists of her stature, ready to go out onto the field, even during the Pandemic, Ms. Dutt’s address was truly inspiring. The ceremony ended on a high note, as the adjudicators and participants began preparations for the beginning of a long, busy day with the release of the tabs and the motions.

Strawberry Fields High School