IIPSR emerges champion in Sir Syed memorial debate

RIYADH: RASHID HASSAN

The International Indian Public School in Riyadh (IIPSR) team has emerged as the champions in the Sir Syed Memorial Debate for 2014. Delhi Public School (DPS) in Riyadh came second in the exciting competition held on Tuesday after an extensive selection process of students across all of the Indian schools in the capital.
The debate competition seeks to spread awareness among students of Indo-Saudi relations, and to promote the ideas of the visionary Indian leader, Sir Syed Ahmad, who is the founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The event was organized by the AMU alumni association in Riyadh to mark the founder's birth anniversary.
The debate was attended by large number of students from Indian schools. The participating students were divided into junior group (9th and 10th grades) and senior group (11th and 12th grades) and following internal screening in all of the schools, qualifying students were shortlisted for the final event.
In the junior group that debated India's Mars mission, Sari Khanam (IIPSR) was declared the first prize winner, while Amina Neemah (DPS) received second prize, and Talal Nasir (New Middle East School) was made winner of the third prize. Consolation prizes also went to Aaqid Siraj (IIPSR), Reet Arora (DPS) and Safa Aarif (NMES).
Among the senior group who debated the pro's and con's of the smartphone application, first prize went to Syeda Sanabar Sajid (DPS), second to Imam Shakeel (IIPSR) and third to Adnan Shakeel (IIPSR), and a consolation prize went to Sumayyah Moin (DPS).
The grand final began with recitation of a verse from Holy Qur’an by AMUOBA vice president, Nasim Akhtar, and welcome address by its president, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Badshah. Additionally, the general secretary, Taqiuddin Mir, proposed a vote of thanks to all in attendance, while Dr. Sayyid Ahmad of the National Guard hospital coordinated the event as judge for the debate. The winners will be awarded their prizes officially on Nov. 20, when AMUOBA will celebrate Sir Syed Day in a ceremony.