Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula inaugurated its Parliamentary Debate Championship (PDC) with a grand opening ceremony, bringing together young debaters from schools across the Tricity and neighbouring regions. The championship aims to provide a platform for students to hone their critical thinking, public speaking, and parliamentary debating skills while promoting informed dialogue and democratic values.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address, followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Principal Mrs. Gulshan Kaur. The ceremony was accompanied by a soulful mantra rendition presented by a team of students under the mentorship of Ms. Jagriti, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. An introduction to the championship highlighted its vision of nurturing analytical thinking, reasoned argument, and responsible citizenship among students. A themed orchestra performance, "Voices, Views & Verdicts," presented by students under the guidance of Mr. Mukul, captivated the audience by reflecting the essence of debate through music. An opening video traced the journey and legacy of the Parliamentary Debate Championship, showcasing its contribution to fostering leadership and effective communication among young learners. The cultural segment also featured a dance performance choreographed under the mentorship of Mr. Yogesh. The performance celebrated the values of dialogue, diversity of thought, and democratic participation, adding colour and energy to the inaugural programme.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Mrs. Gulshan Kaur encouraged participants to view debating as a powerful medium for learning, collaboration, and intellectual growth. She urged students to value respectful discourse, critical thinking, and the ability to listen with empathy, stating that the true spirit of debating lies in the pursuit of ideas rather than the pursuit of victory. The convenors of the championship motivated the participants to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary debating while engaging in constructive and meaningful discussions. The inaugural ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, formally marking the commencement of the championship and paving the way for two days of rigorous debate, intellectual exchange, and healthy competition. She further reiterated that voices matter, views are precious & verdicts change the course of history.