Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, has become the epicenter of intense intellectual battles as sixteen debating teams gather for the 26th Annual Slater Debates, held from Thursday, October 26th to Tuesday, October 31st, right on the BCS campus.
In a world often marred by conflicts in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Armenia, the Director of BCS, Simon Weale, emphasized the importance of teaching young people how to “disagree agreeably” and resolve problems through the power of argument rather than violence. It’s a message that resonates strongly in today’s global context.
The Slater Debates, named in honor of the school’s first headmaster, Rev Dr. Samuel Slater (1863-1885), draw India’s top debating schools to the competition. Last year, La Martiniere, Kolkata, emerged victorious. The day’s debates commenced with Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, taking on Shri Ram School, Aravali. The motion under discussion was whether to “Allow a holistic education model instead of a system based on the student’s choice.” The proposition highlighted the importance of personality development and its role in fostering a creative approach to education.
The opposition stressed the significance of a student’s ability to learn within the education system. While both sides presented strong arguments, the motion favored Shri Ram School, Aravali. A highlight of the event was the debate between The Mallinson School, Srinagar, and Auckland House School for Boys, Shimla, on the topic of “Ban video games in which players engage in brutal violence in a realistic setting.” The proposition raised concerns about violent video games’ impact on students, while the opposition argued that these games had no connection to real-life violence. The debate was a testament to the skills of the participants, with The Mallinson School, Srinagar, ultimately prevailing.
Bishop Cotton School (BCS), founded in 1859, is one of the oldest residential boys’ schools in Asia. Over the years, it has played a significant role in shaping the development of public schools and education in India. The school has also produced numerous well-known and successful alumni. The 26th Annual Slater Debates not only showcase the power of intellectual discourse but also underscore the importance of instilling constructive communication skills in the youth, as they navigate a complex world where disagreements are part of the human experience.
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