English and Hindi debates organized to mark the Republic Day
ALIGARH : Syedna Taher Saifuddin School (Minto Circle), Aligarh Muslim University organized an inter-school debate competition in English and Hindi as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The topic for the debate in English was: “Expanded use of Artificial intelligence will be good for humanity”, while the participants in Hindi debate spoke on “The Artificial Intelligence Technology is an impediment in the human development”.
In English debate, Manya Gupta (S.T.S. School) secured the first position while the second position was shared by Samara Firdaus (AMU Girls School) and Mugdha (AMU ABK High School-Girls) and Ayaz Abdullah (S.T.S. School) claimed the third position.
In Hindi, Praveen Kumar (STS School) won the first prize, while Naitik Upadhyaya (STS School) and Humaira (AMU City Girls’ High School) claimed the second and third prizes respectively. Uday Sharma (AMU ABK High School Boys) received the consolation prize.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, the chief guest, Prof. Mohmmad Asim Siddiqui (Chairman, Department of English, AMU) highlighted the necessity of AI in today’s era and urged the students to develop a habit of reading books by canonic authors. He emphasized the enduring value of literature in an age of advancing technology. He also cautioned against the excessive use of technology stifling creativity in students.
Prof Manvendra Kumar Pundhir (Department of History, AMU), who was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony for Hindi debate winners, said that technology is both a boon and a curse for humans and its proper use depends on the objectivity of the human being.
He exhorted the students to make lesser use of mobile phones and not to lose their creativity by digressing to unnecessarily use of artificial intelligence technology like Google, Chat GPT, etc.
Highlighting the importance of debate competition, the Principal of the school, Mr Faisal Nafees said that the debate competitions showcased remarkable talent and enthusiasm in students. He said that the objective of organizing debate was to enhance the public speaking skills in students and help them to present their ideas in an articulated manner.
The English debate was judged by Dr. Md. Saquib Abrar and Dr. Yasmin Ansari (Department of English), while Dr Sana Fatima and Dr Ghulam Fareed Sabri judged the Hindi debate.
The students from AMU schools, including AMU Girls High School, AMU City Girls High School, AMU ABK High School (Boys and Girls) and STS School participated in the debate competitions with great enthusiasm.
Mrs. Ghazala Tanvir and Dr. Jyoti Kusumbal conducted the programmes.