Visually impaired Mumbai student debates his way to world tourney win

13 August,2019 07:49 AM IST |   |  Pallavi Smart

Team India, comprising Bhavya Shah from Mumbai Central and three from Chennai and one from Jaipur, defeated Team Canada in the final round of World School Debating Championship on July 31

Representational picture


A team of five high school students from across the country has emerged champion at a world debating tournament, with a city boy bagging the best speaker award at the sixth position, making the state proud.

Team India, comprising Bhavya Shah from Mumbai Central and three from Chennai and one from Jaipur, defeated Team Canada in the final round of World School Debating Championship on July 31. As many as 64 countries participated in the tournament held in Hong Kong.

Bhavya, a visually impaired Std XII student of Rao Junior College, never let his condition come in the way of his achievements, said his father Ashish Shah.

"I use talking software to prepare for my debate. I type my pointers and then listen to them. A regular practice in debates is carrying notes to the podium but I couldn't have plugged in my earphones and listened to the notes. So, I made a list of one-word pointers and memorised them which helped me cover all the aspects of my topic," said Bhavya, who entered the championship following a zonal selection in July 2018.

"Bhavya had made the headlines when he cleared the Std X examination with 96 per cent in 2018. He has confidently dealt with his physical condition, especially consideringthat he was not born with it," said Ashish.

The Indian School Debating Society declared, "After winning all 8 preliminary rounds, progressing through octofinals, quarters and semis in unanimous decisions, Team India won the 2019 championship on a unanimous 9-0 decision. Each participant of the team got Best Speakers award, at different positions."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
mumbai mumbai central chennai mumbai news
Related Stories