At the heart of the debate was the key question: Has the materialistic world changed the concept of success? Some spoke for the motion and some against. Both came up with umpteen real-life examples to drive their point home. The general consensus, however, was that though money is a byproduct of success it does act as a stepping stone to getting ahead in life.
Since both sides were pretty convincing in their own ways, the task of the panel of three judges headed by Abdul Lateef Campbell, a senior lecturer of English at Jubail Industrial College, became even more difficult, a fact that Campbell acknowledged while delivering his expert comments. “They have all done incredibly well, just as the colorful and popular advertisement for Incredible India,” he said. “I will say everyone was a winner.”
Dr. Parveen Rasheed, a prominent Indian who has spent a lifetime teaching and training at Dammam University’s College of Medicine, was the chief guest at the event while Mohammad M. Al-Fakih, director of the English Language Center at Jubail Industrial College, was the guest of honor.
“The speeches were fascinating,” gushed the elderly Dr. Parveen. Her voice quivered at times. And for a reason. Her highly accomplished husband, the late Dr. Rasheed-uz-Zafar of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, was the one who founded the school for the Indian community in Jubail in 1984.
“I always come here with a sense of deep nostalgia,” she said and complimented the school and its teachers for maintaining the high standards of education. “They are my children and I feel proud at their accomplishments…I see these young debaters as the future leaders of our society.”
Debate coordinators Naushad Azam and Saadia Siddiqui and their team came in for special praise for their meticulous organization of the event.
Danish Anis of International Indian School-Jubail was judged as the best speaker among all 14 participants. He also won first position in the “For the Motion” category.
The first position in the “Against the Motion” category went to Sagar Nambiar of International Indian School-Dammam. Omar Hassan Gul of International Indian School-Riyadh came second in the “For the Motion” category while Rohma Tanzeel of International Indian School bagged second prize in the “Against the Motion” category.
Other winners included Faheem Nasrine, Rahique Um Maqtoom, Majeeda Khan, Shiyas Abdul Wahab, Nabeel Ahmed and Ali Ahmed Saeed Hashmi.
The first rolling trophy was won by Danish Anis and Rohma Tanzeel of International Indian School-Jubail and the second rolling trophy was won by Sagar Nambiar and Majeeda Khan of International Indian School-Dammam.
Vice Principal (Boys Section) Naushad Ali introduced the guests and Vice Principal (Gils Section) Zahra Malik gave a vote of thanks.
