Debaters Tackle Subject Of 'Media Influence' At Usha Martin Academy

Online, October 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The media's impact on young minds was up for discussion at a debate competition sponsored by Usha Martin Academy, Patna on the 28th of July, 2012."Media influences the kid more than the parents" was the topic, with under-graduate and post-graduate students from both UMA and Magadh University taking part.

One of the points raised during the lively discussion was that students are similar to a computer's hard disk, in that whatever they see, they store in their memory. But it was also pointed out that it finally came down to the individual on just how far they would let television and movies dominate their thoughts and actions.

Nitish Kumar, a first-year BBM student, raised the issue that parents are often more fascinated by television than their children and children generally follow the example set by parents rather than the television.

Refuting the point, Atul Krishna, second-year BCA student, argued that 'children watching movies, largely, aspire to follow them'.

Participating in the debate were Ayushi Singh, Vishal Tiwari, Saurabh Prakash, Kumari Harsha, Amit Kumar Singh, Nidhi Sinha, Atul Krishna, Sunny Roy, Kanhaiya, Sanjay, Shavi and Nitish Kumar. Prof. Julee Banerjee from Patna University was to the judge for the debate.

She declared the best speakers to be: First - Nitish Kumar (BBM, first year); Second - Atul Krishna (BCA, second year) and Third - Sunny Roy (BBA, second year).

In his closing speech, Prof. Riddhiman Mukhopadhyay, Dean of Usha Martin Academy, emphasised the importance of such extra-curricular activities in building self-confidence and maturity in students.

Debating itself teaches students how to research and clearly articulate their arguments. This makes them more prepared to speak clearly during interviews, present a professional appearance and clearly outline their ideas and abilities. Studies have shown that students who are active debaters have improved in a wide variety of academic skills, excel in written and oral communication, have greatly improved reading comprehension and actively seek access to a wide array of new information.