Behes - A debating experience by Ishaan Gupta Grade 11

On the fourth and fifth of August, I had the privilege of participating in one of India’s most renowned debating competitions, Behes. We were six students from Pathways Noida, divided into two teams. The debates were quite complex, with each speaker having only fifteen minutes to amalgamate

sharp points, cutting rebuttals, and include credible facts, all in a four minutes speech; all this to try and garner as many points as possible for their team. Both our teams achieved success. One, comprising of Neha Gupta, Shreya Trikha and Adyant Jaiswal reached the semi-finals, while the other, my team which included Jonathan Osmond and Aayush Tiwary managed to slog all the way through the finals and win the Noida Round 2017!

There were a great many lessons to learn in the Noida Round, lessons, even more important, as both our teams will be debating in the nationals in December. Arrogance and underestimating our opponents, due to their age nearly cost us the semi finals, and should not be repeated. Appreciation for my own skills and weaknesses came about as well. How my rebuttals are integrated well, but my conclusions lack power and smoothness and would definitely need some work. Now, both our teams, look to the future, to Maha Behes in December. Regular practice schedules have been made and will be held despite our increasing academic demands. Only through strengthening our weaknesses can we hope to transition from Noida Champions to National Champions.