Global Minds, Local Voices: International Debating Workshop at BDMI
“You win a debate by a better argument, not by force.” – Frank Sonnenberg B.D.M. International hosted a day-long debating workshop on 30 June 2025 in collaboration with the Calcutta Debating Circle (CDC).
The event was graced by Mr. Pradeep Gooptu, Trustee of CDC, Mr. Raju Raman, Senior Associate Member, and Ms. Natasa Aziz, Coordinator, CDC. Six international mentors conducted the workshop, training 78 students from Grades IX and XI on the art of debating.
The international mentors for the workshop included Mr. Issac Ohringer from the University of Cambridge, Mr. Jordan Anderson from King’s College London, Mr. Hunter Haynes from Harvard University, Mr. Zachary Benjamin Fleesler from the University of Oxford, Mr. Elias Silver from Yale University, and Ms. Heather Robinson.
Six top debaters were selected for a mock debate on the motion: “This House believes that lowering the voting age to sixteen will make our democracy more vibrant.” Devapi Das of Grade IX was adjudged the Best Debater of the Day and will represent the school at Debating Excellence 2025 on 8th July.
