Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Students from 83 Schools Gather for Clifford Hicks Debate
More than 300 students from 83 schools came together for a debate competition at Calcutta Boys’ School.
The event is named after former school leader Clifford Hicks.
It began on Monday and will last five days.
Students discussed topics such as whether AI data centres use too much water and how peer pressure affects people.
Some students argued that peer pressure can be stressful, while another said people can choose not to be influenced by it.
Students from Nepal also joined.
The competition has two age-group categories.
Organizers will choose finalists after preliminary and semi-final rounds.
A moderator said debating helps people explain their ideas respectfully and listen to others.
More than 300 students from 83 schools across several states took part in the 10th Clifford Hicks Memorial International Debate.
Calcutta Boys’ School hosted the five-day programme, which began on Monday.
Students debated issues including AI data centres’ water use and whether peer pressure is stressful or can be resisted.
The competition has separate categories for Classes IX and X, and Classes XI and XII; 20 participants in each category will reach the semi-finals, followed by seven finalists per category.
Students from Nepal also participated, and moderator Hilda Peacock described debating as a life skill involving clear, respectful argument and listening.
- Who
- More than 300 students from 83 schools, including students from Nepal, participated.
- What
- The 10th Clifford Hicks Memorial International Debate.
- When
- It began on Monday and is scheduled to run for five days; no calendar date is specified.
- Where
- Calcutta Boys’ School, Kolkata.
- Why
- The competition honours former principal and secretary Clifford Hicks and aims to foster critical thinking, leadership, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Peer pressure can be stressful
People can resist peer pressure
Effects of peer pressure
Peer pressure can be stressful
Arjun Grover of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, argued that peer pressure can be intimidating and stressful.
People can resist peer pressure
Samridhi Rai of Loreto Convent, Darjeeling, argued that people have independent minds and can choose not to let outside forces pressure them.
- Edition
- 10th Clifford Hicks Memorial International Debate
- Participants
- More than 300 students
- Schools represented
- 83
- Duration
- Five days; Monday was the first day
- Categories
- Classes IX–X and Classes XI–XII
- Semi-finalists
- 20 participants in each category
- Finalists
- Seven participants from each category
- International participation
- Students from Nepal took part