Media Release
Kuwait, Jun 5: Indian Muslims Welfare Association (IMWA) Edumeet 2013 was conducted at Salmiya Indian Model School on May 24. Edumeet is an opportunity for Indian students to demonstrate their talents in the arena of public speaking and essay writing.
The hall was filled with enthusiastic students, parents, teachers and IMWA members. The program was hosted by Mohammed Khalid and Mir Abrar Ali. The event comprised of essay writing competition and extempore inter-school debate competition.
The event started by the recitation of the holy Quran by Master Mohammed Adeel and the English translation by Master Aijaz Ahmed. This was followed by the essay writing competition.
Essay writing participants were divided into three groups i.e. Group A (Class VII – VIII), Group B (Class IX – X) and Group C (Class XI – XII). Each group was given a separate topic with a time limit of 30 minutes and maximum 250 words. A panel of six eminent judges was given the tough task of selecting the winners from each group.
Next was the extempore debate competition. Nine teams from Indian schools participated in the debate. Two talented participants were nominated by each school. The debate topics were drawn at the venue by the participants themselves and then were given 45 minutes to prepare before they presented their arguments to the audience one for and the other against the topic.
A panel of four eminent adjudicators, Dr Sabiha Bilgrami from Kuwait University, Eng. Aslam Imadi from KOC, Toastmaster Anil Lobo and Toastmaster Bobby Hoxit evaluated the participants’ performance simultaneously. The evaluation was processed online with the data entered by the judges transmitted live to the moderators, Dr Nazish Mohiuddin and Eng. Mohammad Zahid.
Extempore debate is a challenge even for seasoned orators but the eighteen debate participants took up this challenge and demonstrated their public speaking skills. Their confidence, oratory talent, stage presence was a treat to watch. They had the audience spellbound by convincingly expressing their point of view and citing excellent examples.
IMWA president Mohammed Manshauddin in his speech mentioned the difference this year was the debate format which was extempore. He reminded the participants that all of them were very lucky to be able to participate and showcase their speaking skills in events such as the Edumeet. Lastly, he congratulated each participant for their interest, dedication and contribution.
The president of FIMA Mukhtar Marouf was the next to give a speech. He said that the debate competition is very useful for preparing students for their future career. He explained that a good debate is one in which you put your visions and views in a very clear perspective, without having any controversies or contradictions in it. He concluded his speech by congratulating all the participants, and encouraged them by saying that every participant is a winner.
The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Satish Mehta graced the occasion as chief guest. In his speech, Satish Mehta encouraged the participants to continue grabbing opportunities for improving their talents. He mentioned that IMWA should also continue conducting such events that can help students a lot. He concluded by congratulating all the winners and participants.
The judges of the extempore debate competition were also asked to say a few words. Bobby Hobbit said she had truly enjoyed listening to all the students who had participated in the debate. She sincerely thanked IMWA for inviting her. Dr Sabiha Bilgrami said that each contestant had done an admirable job, as it takes a lot of guts to deliver a speech. She said she firmly believed that every participant is a winner. Anil Lobo said that all of the 18 students from the 9 schools had done a marvelous job, and had indeed entertained and educated him.
He felt that it shouldn’t be the adults educating the children, but the children educating the adults. Mr. Aslam Imadi said he was surprised by the great score of intelligence, knowledge and ideas that the students possess. He hoped for India to have a very bright future coming up.
The results of both the essay writing and debate competition were declared immediately after the event and certificates and prizes were distributed to the winners by the Indian Ambassador Satish Mehta.
For the results and photos of the event, visit our website www.imwakuwait.org