Patna: Mohd Arib Akhtar of St Xavier’s High School, Patna, and Maryah Iqbal of St Joseph’s Convent High School (SJCHS), Bankipur, were adjudged best speakers in the junior and senior categories, respectively, at the ASISC George Hess Memorial Zonal Debate Competition hosted by SJCHS, Bankipur.Held in an impromptu extempore format, the competition brought together students from schools across the Patna zone to test their critical thinking, spontaneity and public speaking skills. The event was judged by Imtiaz Ahmad, Bibha Kumari and Archana Rani.In the junior category, 12 schools debated the topic, “Academic excellence should never come at the cost of mental health.” Shanaya Singh of SJCHS, Bankipur, was declared first runner-up, while Sakshi Priya of SJCHS, Jethuli, finished second runner-up. Akhtar and Shanaya qualified for the zonal round, while Sakshi was named the standby participant.In the senior category, seven schools debated “Digital validation is replacing genuine self-worth.” Naman Prakash of Don Bosco Academy (DBA) was first runner-up and Saina Singh of St Xavier’s High School second runner-up. Maryah and Naman advanced to the regional round.ASISC Zonal Declamation Competition at JMA: Sarosh Afreen of SJCHS, Bankipur, Myra Patrick of Jesus and Mary Academy (JMA), and Dhairya Pandey of Don Bosco Academy emerged winners in the senior, sub-junior and junior categories, respectively, at the ASISC Zonal Declamation Competition held at JMA, Hajiganj.Organised by the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate (ASISC), the competition saw participation from CISCE-affiliated schools across Bihar. Students spoke on a range of social, educational and contemporary issues, showcasing their oratory skills and command over language.The performances were judged by Naqi Ahmad John, head of the department of English at Patna College, Patna University, and Priya Manish Kumar.In the sub-junior category, Ishani Ira of DBA and Shambhavi of International School secured second and third positions, respectively. Shruti Singh of The Kirk View School, Gaya, and Arya Singh of Carmel High School finished second and third, respectively, in the junior category. In the senior section, Sameeksha Nair of Carmel High School and Arunima Singh of St Xavier’s High School secured second and third places, respectively.Principal Pooja Ann Sharma said such competitions play a vital role in the overall personality development of students.Van Mahotsava at DAV Public School: DAV Public School, BSEB Colony, organised a plantation drive as part of Van Mahotsava to promote awareness about medicinal plants and environmental conservation.The programme was inaugurated by Bihar Zone assistant regional officer and school principal, Avinash Chandra Jha, who planted saplings on the school campus. Class XI students also participated, and planted medicinal species such as neem, tulsi, aloe vera, giloy, mint, curry leaves, harsingar and arjun.Addressing students, Jha said plants are the foundation of life and urged everyone to plant at least one tree and nurture it while actively contributing to environmental protection.
