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- 29 Sep, 2025
The National Finals of the Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter-School Debate 2025
Hosted at Bishop Cotton Boys’ School
On the 25th of September 2025, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School had the honour of hosting the National Finals of the Annual CISCE Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition (Category I & II), one of the most prestigious debating platforms in the country.
With participation from over 700 ICSE and ISC schools across India, the competition involved rigorous zonal and regional rounds, culminating in 15 top institutions earning their place in the National Finals.
Instituted in memory of Mr. Frank Anthony—Anglo-Indian leader, parliamentarian, member of the Indian Constituent Assembly, and visionary founder of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)—the event continues to uphold his legacy of excellence in education and discourse.
The occasion was graced by Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE, as the Chief Guest. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop of the Karnataka Central Diocese, invoked God’s blessings to mark the commencement of the ceremony. Also in attendance were Rev. Christopher Samuel, Secretary of the CSI Karnataka Central Diocese; Rev. Christy Gnanadasan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Management; and Dr. Abraham Ebenezer, Convenor of the Education Committee, CSI KCD. The Principal of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Mr. Alistair R. A. Freese, extended a warm welcome to the gathering and felicitated the dignitaries in attendance.
The debate proceedings were skillfully moderated by Mrs. Madhuri Nair Sanjeev, with Mrs. Sujin John serving as the meticulous timekeeper. The distinguished adjudicators included:
- Mr. Carlyle McFarland – English major, acclaimed orator, and former Principal of La Martiniere College for Boys, Lucknow.
- Mrs. Meera Isaacs – Recognised as one of India’s top Principals, and former Principal of Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai.
- Mr. Alistair LaPorte Mario LaPorte – Prolific writer, Inspector of ICSE Examinations, and former Principal of Cambridge School.
This year’s final topics, centered on Artificial Intelligence, were both timely and thought-provoking:
- Category I: Should there be limits on AI learning to preserve human curiosity and creativity?
- Category II: Is AI-integrated learning the future of education?
Both categories witnessed participants delivering compelling arguments, spirited rebuttals, and fresh perspectives. The audience was treated to a diverse array of viewpoints, reflecting the significance and complexity of these issues in our rapidly evolving digital age.
Adding to the occasion, the prize distribution ceremony for the Albert Barrow Memorial All-India Inter-School Creative Writing Competition was also held. The three best essays in each category—Category I (Classes 11 & 12) and Category II (Classes 9 & 10)—were recognised with medals and cash prizes.
Results of the Frank Anthony Debate Finals:
- Category I Winner: St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata
- Category II Winner: Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Kanpur
Prizes included cash awards of up to ₹5,000, along with shields, gold, silver and bronze medals, and merit certificates.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. Dhivyanathan, ISC Coordinator, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, judges, participants, and organisers for making the event a resounding success.
The Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter-School Debate 2025 went beyond examining the promises and perils of Artificial Intelligence. It captured the true spirit of debate—to dissent, to discuss, and to deliberate. The event concluded by leaving all present with thought-provoking insights and enduring lessons for life in our modern, AI-augmented world.
On Straight On!