New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- Kolkata witnessed an extraordinary celebration of intellect, eloquence, and youthful energy as the 10th Clifford Hicks International Debate 2026 unfolded at Calcutta Boys' School (CBS) recently. Organized annually by the school's Literary Society in memory of the late Clifford Hicks, Principal and Secretary of CBS (1952-1974), the event has grown into one of the most prestigious debating platforms in India, attracting participants from across the country and abroad. The event seeks to inspire young debaters to emulate his ability to present arguments with acumen, without theatrics, but with undeniable impact.

Principal and Secretary Mr Raja McGee welcomed 300 participants from over 80 schools and expressed his hope that the debate would go beyond competition to become an enriching experience for all. "We hope the debate will be able to form meaningful connections, encourage critical thinking and nurture leadership," he said. The competition was divided into two categories. Category I: Classes XI & XII Category II: Classes IX & X. Each category featured preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and finals, with the top seven teams from the prelims advancing to the finals. Delegates also enjoyed cultural tours of Kolkata, including visits to the Mother House, National Library, and Victoria Memorial Hall, alongside social gatherings such as the Rendezvous and Bada Khana at CBS.

The debate saw participation from schools including La Martiniere College, Lucknow, St. Xavier's Collegiate School, Kolkata, Bishop Cotton Boys' School, Bengaluru, The Assam Valley School, and international representation from Aksharaa School, Nepal. The topics like global warming is just media hype, equality before law is a myth, and peer pressure is harmful, reflected pressing global and social concerns, challenging students to think critically.

The event was graced by well-known personalities, including Bishop Dr C Selvin and Madam Shanthi Lovely Selvin, and MP Sudip Bandopadhyay. The Category I Finals on October 9 marked the grand culmination of the 10th Clifford Hicks International Debate 2026. Adrish Hossain of Calcutta Boys' School emerged as the Best Speaker, also securing the coveted Optimus Orator, Electio Populi title, a dual recognition of both adjudicators' discernment and audience acclaim.

And the winners are

Awards for Category II (Classes IX & X)

* Prelims best speakers: Akshat Choumal (M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, Liluah), Armaan Bhoopal (La Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata), Diya Chattopadhyay (Assembly of God Church School, Asansol), Nishant Gijare (Wisdom World School, Wakad)

* Semi-finals: Best speaker: Anay Singh (La Martiniere College, Lucknow). Winning Team: St. Xavier's Collegiate School, Kolkata

* Finals: Best speakers: Chayank Kausik (Bishop Cotton Boys' School, Bengaluru) and Nishant Gijare (Wisdom World School, Wakad). Winning team: Wisdom World School, Wakad

Optimus Orator, Electio Populi: Pearl Sharma (Loreto Convent, Entally, Kolkata)

Awards for Category I (Classes XI & XII)

Prelims best speakers: Aditya Dasgupta (Welland Gouldsmith School, Patuli), Samriddha Chakraborty (La Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata), Deepangshu Mitra (M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, Liluah), Sarrah Dhariwala (The Bishop's School, Camp, Pune).

Semi-finals: Best speaker: Ankana Dey (St. Teresa's Secondary School, Kolkata). Winning team: The Bishop's School, Camp, Pune.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.