There is a need for the young generation belonging to free India and enjoying the benefits of this growing economy, to connect with the history of the nation and understand the prolonged independence movement that people of India have participated in, to bring about the change. The love for one’s motherland and the fierce passion that the people shared towards achieving freedom is a part of India’s heritage to which every child needs to be sensitized.

To foster the spirit of patriotism, Inter-GIIS Declamation Competition was held on 14th August across campuses from India and Singapore via video conference. It gave the participants the luxury of performing from their locations, in an atmosphere familiar to them and yet reaching beyond boundaries.

Students of GIIS Ahmedabad, Balestier, Bangalore, Chinchwad, Indore, Noida and Surat participated in the Inter-GIIS Declamation Competition on “Speeches of World Leaders”.

The programme started with a welcome note from Ms. Sunita Jaisingh, National Head Academics who introduced the judges. This was followed by a patriotic song by students of GIIS Surat as a prelude to the Inter-GIIS Competition. The programme ended with the National Anthem by GIIS Bangalore. Students from other campuses also joined in.

The speakers represented global personalities who have made a difference in life of common men by liberating them either from socially or spiritually. They were dressed as Martin Luther King, Malala, Swami Vivekananda, Kennedy, M.K. Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shashi Tharoor, Subhash Chandra Bose and Obama. The students spoke with a lot of conviction and it was a sheer pleasure listening to them. They were judged on pronunciation, intonation, content, fluency and the over-all style of delivery.

The first position was won by

“The choice in the variety of speeches (content) was excellent and almost all speakers delivered well - good introductions, voice modulations and expressions, good use of the hands to convey meaning and emphasize views - all were excellent! Kudos to the children and their teachers.” Were the comments of Ms. Lakshmi Madhusoodanan, a well-known academician who specializes in English literature, who joined as an external judge.

“I am happy to see the level of confidence that the students exhibited while delivering their speeches. These competitions not only hone their oratory skills but also prepare them for challenges in life.” Said Ms. Vaishali Borde.

Mr. Rajeev Katyal, Country Director India was thrilled to judge this wonderful expression of thought. He said, “each and every students spoke exceptionally well and repeated participating in inter-GIIS competitions build camaraderie between students. According to me every child is a winner.”