The Vocals 2026 – Chapter I: Beyond Impulse

Grade XI Inter-House Debate Report

The Debating Society of St. Columba's School successfully conducted The Vocals 2026 – Chapter I: Beyond Impulse, a week-long debating competition for the students of Grade XI. Commencing on Monday, 13 July 2026, and culminating in a thrilling Grand Finale on Monday, 20 July 2026, the event provided young Columbans with an exceptional platform to develop the art of argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking.

The competition witnessed four teams competing across multiple rounds—Team Galaxians, Team Supernovas, Team Cosmos, and Team Nebulas. Each team was guided and mentored by senior members of the Grade XII Debating Society.

The preliminary rounds featured intellectually stimulating motions. After a series of closely contested debates, Team Nebulas and Team Cosmos earned their place in the Grand Finale. Team Nebulas comprised Jigyansh Sharma (XI D), Pranabesh Maity (XI C), Sidhant Jaiswal (XI C), and Raghav Kalra (XI D), while Team Cosmos consisted of Reyansh Gupta (XI C), Ramanjan Bhattacharya (XI C), Ashish Suri (XI C), and Aryehh Srivastav (XI D).

The Grand Finale was held on Monday, 20 July 2026, on the motion: "This House believes that democracies rarely collapse through revolution; they erode through institutional compromise."

The Final Debate was graced by Principal, Brother Robert Fernandes, whose presence added great significance to the occasion. He was joined by Mr. Naresh Chopra, Headmaster (Senior School), who encouraged the participants and shared words of appreciation for the Debating Society. Both commended the students for their thoughtful arguments, confidence, and exemplary sportsmanship.

The final debate showcased the very best of competitive debating. At the conclusion of the debate, Team Nebulas was declared the Champion of The Vocals 2026 – Chapter I: Beyond Impulse.

Winning Team – Team Nebulas: Jigyansh Sharma (XI D), Pranabesh Maity (XI C), Sidhant Jaiswal (XI C), Raghav Kalra (XI D). Mentored by Atharva Karki (XII C) and Aaron Adrian Chug (XII D)

Runners-up – Team Cosmos: Reyansh Gupta (XI C), Ramanjan Bhattacharya (XI C), Ashish Suri (XI C), Aryehh Srivastav (XI D). Mentored by Hariaksh Magoo (XII E) and Tanveer Singh Narula (XII C)

The Debating Society congratulates all participants and mentors. The Vocals 2026 once again reaffirmed that debating is not merely about winning an argument but about cultivating informed minds, confident voices, and responsible citizens who dare to think, question, and lead.

Warm regards,

The Debating Society