Queen’s Valley School, in collaboration with SPACE India, organized the Kalpana Chawla Debate Competition (KCDC) 2023 on December 16th. The event aimed to enhance students’ understanding of Astronomy and Space Sciences through contemporary methods and interpersonal communication. Twenty-six schools from across Delhi participated in the competition. Twenty-five schools from across Delhi participated in the competition.
The school’s collaboration with SPACE India dates back to 2015, consistently enriching students’ minds in the field of science and astronomy. This year’s KCDC focused on the thought-provoking topic of “The Militarisation and Weaponization of Space: Should these be a part of Modern Warfare?” with implications on global security, technological advancements, and ethical responsibilities of nations.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp by esteemed guests, followed by a cultural dance performance by QVS students. The school principal, Dr. Namita Sharma, felicitated the judges and guests.
The competition consisted of two rounds. The first round involved students presenting their views based on assigned motions. Ten students were shortlisted for the subsequent rebuttal round, where they defended their arguments against judges’ inquiries. Participants were evaluated on performance, thinking skills, confidence, and knowledge.
The highlight of the event was the engaging question-answer round, showcasing participants’ confidence and depth of knowledge. The debate emphasized the need for international agreements and regulations to address the risks and implications of militarizing space within the context of modern warfare.
The competition concluded with the distribution of prizes, including cash awards and trophies, recognizing the outstanding performance of the winners. The KCDC left a lasting impact by inspiring opinions, thoughts, ideas, and perspectives, enhancing participants’ understanding of the subject matter.