As I stood in front of the buzzing crowd at the Gangtok round of Behes, India’s largest school debate platform, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves.
I had been part of debate competitions before, but this one was different—it was Behes, a place where young minds from all over the country gather to engage in thought-provoking conversations. This wasn’t just another event; it was an opportunity to challenge myself, make new friends, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
It all started when my school invited me to participate. Behes had a reputation for being one of the top platforms for school debate in the country, and just the thought of being part of it was both thrilling and intimidating. Our team immediately started preparing, and with the help of our school’s dedicated debate coach, we spent long hours researching, practicing, and strategizing for the rounds ahead.
The excitement was real, but so was the pressure. I remember questioning myself—would I be able to stand out among so many talented debaters? But as our coach reminded us, Behes wasn’t only about winning or losing; it was about the learning journey. The team behind Behes had built a reputation as a debate company that didn’t just host competitions, but also nurtured a love for debate and critical thinking in students.
On the first day of the event, walking into the venue was like stepping into a different world. There were hundreds of students from different schools, all equally excited and nervous. The energy in the room was infectious, and even before the debates began, you could tell that this was going to be an unforgettable experience. Behes is more than just a debate competition—it's a place where ideas are exchanged freely, and every participant is encouraged to think deeply about the world around them.
As the debates started, I quickly realized just how challenging—and rewarding—this experience was going to be. Each round presented new topics, some of which I had never thought about before. The format of the competition kept us on our toes, forcing us to think critically and adapt quickly. The structure of the debates, built carefully by the debate company behind Behes, pushed us to consider both sides of the argument with fairness and depth.
At first, I found myself stumbling through a few rounds, trying to find my rhythm. But with each debate, I became more confident. The feedback from the judges, many of whom were experienced debaters, was incredibly helpful. They didn’t just tell us what we did wrong—they explained how we could improve, whether it was the structure of our arguments, the clarity of our points, or our ability to listen and respond to the other team’s case.
Debating at Behes was about much more than just speaking well. It was about understanding the nuances of each issue and crafting arguments that were well-reasoned and evidence-based. But one of the most important lessons I learned wasn’t just about debate technique—it was about empathy. Every debate challenged me to see things from a perspective different from my own, to consider viewpoints I might not have otherwise explored. That, to me, is what school debate is really about: learning to engage with ideas openly and thoughtfully.
What I didn’t expect, though, was how many friendships I would make along the way. The competition was intense, but the camaraderie between participants was even stronger. Whether we were competing against each other or cheering each other on, there was a sense of mutual respect and shared passion. In between rounds, we would chat, laugh, and share stories about our debates. It didn’t matter that we were from different schools or cities—what connected us was a love for debate and a genuine curiosity about the world. There were people from Kalimpong and Darjeeling there - and I am still in touch with them even though we are working professionals!
These friendships turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my Behes experience. In just a few days, I met people who I know will remain friends for years to come. Even though we were competing, there was a sense of unity in knowing we were all there to learn, challenge ourselves, and grow.
As the final rounds wrapped up and the winners were announced, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I had gained from this experience even though I wasn’t even in the top 30. We didn’t win anything, but I walked away with something far more valuable—an enhanced love for debate, newfound skills, and a deeper understanding of myself and others.
Looking back, Behes was far more than just a debate company organizing a school debate competition. It was a platform that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with important issues in a meaningful way. The experience has only strengthened my passion for debate, and I can’t wait to take part in future competitions. I even hope to mentor younger debaters one day, sharing with them the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
For anyone who loves debating or is curious about the world, I can’t recommend Behes enough. It’s more than just a competition—it’s a chance to challenge yourself, learn from others, and build lasting connections. The memories, friendships, and skills you gain will stay with you long after the competition ends.
At its core, Behes is more than just a school debate event. It’s a community, one that brings together passionate young minds, fosters respectful discourse, and shapes the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. I’m grateful to have been a part of it, and I know that my time at Behes will always hold a special place in my heart.
