R S Patial, the regional director, was also present on the occasion. The participants spoke eloquently on the various ills plaguing our society.

The audience were left spell-bound as the budding orators spoke on ‘Terrorism - a threat to democracy’ and ‘Women - no more a weaker sex.’ The burning topics of the day ‘Recession - a global phenomenon and female foeticide’ had many takers.

The results were as follows:

English: Gaurav of BCM Shashtri Nagar and Shelza of Greenland School first; Jay of DAV Pakhowal Road second and Inpreet of BCM Chandigarh Road third.

The consolation award was given to Anubriti of DAV Public School.

Hindi: 1 Kanav -DAV BRS Nagar, 2 Yashika -Greenland Public School, 3 Sahibpreet Kaur -KVM Civil Lines, Consolation: Rizul-BCM Shastri Nagar.