When I first received the invitation to conduct a Behes Boot Camp in Hardoi, a small town nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

Known for its temples, narrow roads, and warm hospitality, Hardoi seemed an unlikely place for a debating camp. However, little did I know that this trip would be filled with unique experiences, from a midnight train drama to sharing a room with an early-rising parrot owner, and, of course, encountering some of the brightest (and laziest) young minds I’ve ever met.

This boot camp was more than just preparation for the best debate competitions; it was a deep dive into ideas, creativity, and teamwork that transcended geographical boundaries.

The journey to Hardoi began in the most quintessentially Indian way—a train ride. As the night progressed, the rhythmic chug of the train lulled most passengers into a state of drowsiness, myself included. Suddenly, the train jolted to a stop in the middle of nowhere. Confused murmurs filled the compartment. Some speculated it was a signal failure; others whispered about a cow on the tracks. The truth turned out to be far more absurd.

A fellow passenger, in a moment of sheer panic, had pulled the chain to stop the train. His reason? He had accidentally dropped his phone out of the window. I couldn’t believe my ears when the train guard announced this. As the man pleaded with the staff to let him search for his lost phone in the dark, I looked around and saw a mixture of exasperation and amusement on the passengers' faces.

The episode delayed us by nearly an hour, but it gave me time to chat with a group of college students traveling home for the holidays. They were curious about my destination and the concept of Behes. By the time the train finally started moving again, I had turned the delay into a mini promotional session for the art of debating, explaining how participating in the best debate competitions can shape their analytical and communication skills.

Arriving in Hardoi the next morning, I was greeted by the warm and enthusiastic school staff who had organized the camp. The school, a sprawling campus with a mix of modern classrooms and traditional courtyards, was to be my home for the next three days. I was shown to my accommodation—a modest room on the school premises, which I would be sharing with a teacher named Mr. Sharma.

Mr. Sharma was an interesting character, to say the least. A devout bird lover, he had a pet parrot that he treated like royalty. Every morning at 4 AM, Sharma Ji would wake up to prepare a special meal for his feathery friend. Despite my initial irritation at being woken up so early, I couldn’t help but admire his dedication. On the second morning, he even invited me to meet the parrot, who, much to my surprise, greeted me with a cheerful “Good morning!”

Sharma Ji’s quirks made my stay all the more memorable. He also turned out to be an excellent conversationalist, sharing anecdotes about Hardoi’s history and its lesser-known spots, including a temple with intricate carvings that we visited on the last evening of my stay.

The students at the boot camp were a delightful paradox. Their intellectual curiosity was unparalleled; they asked questions that would make seasoned debaters pause to think. “If AI takes over the world, will it have a fashion sense?” one student quipped during a discussion on the Behes theme ‘Drip Around the World’.

However, their enthusiasm for thinking didn’t always translate into action. Tasks like drafting arguments or preparing rebuttals often required a great deal of nudging. One afternoon, as I watched a group of students lounging on the floor instead of working on their debate motions, I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re great at ideas but terrible at doing!” I exclaimed, to which one student cheekily replied, “Isn’t that what mentors are for?”

Despite their occasional laziness, the students’ eagerness to learn made the camp an absolute joy. Their transformation over the three days was remarkable. They began as hesitant participants but ended up showing great promise, equipped to take on the best debate competitions with confidence and skill.

The evenings in Hardoi offered a chance to explore the town. One particularly memorable visit was to a centuries-old temple known for its unique rituals and serene ambiance. The temple’s priest, noticing my curiosity, explained the history behind its carvings and rituals. “Hardoi is a small town, but it holds the stories of many lifetimes,” he said, his words echoing in the quiet courtyard.

Another evening, I visited the bustling local market. The vibrant stalls, selling everything from colorful fabrics to steaming plates of chaat, provided a stark contrast to the calm of the temple. At one point, I found myself in a spirited bargaining session with a vendor over a handcrafted scarf and even ended up telling him all about Behes and what I do at schools across our fair country.. It was a refreshing reminder of the simple joys of small-town life.

The boot camp culminated in a mini-debate tournament. Watching the students put their newly acquired skills into action was immensely rewarding. One team argued passionately about the significance of fashion in shaping identity, while another debated the ethics of clothing production.

The debates were as insightful as they were entertaining, filled with moments of wit and wisdom. For many students, it was their first step towards participating in the best debate competitions, and their excitement was palpable.

At the end of the day, as we handed out certificates and clicked group photos, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The students had come a long way in just three days, proving that with curiosity and guidance, young minds can achieve incredible things.

As I boarded the train back home, I found myself reflecting on the unique experiences of the past few days. From the chaotic train ride to the parrot’s early morning greetings, from the students’ extraordinary ideas to the town’s hidden gems, Hardoi had left an indelible mark on me.

The Behes Boot Camp in Hardoi wasn’t just about teaching debate; it was about learning—about people, places, and the power of curiosity. It reminded me that even in the most unexpected corners of the world, there are stories waiting to be discovered and minds waiting to be inspired.

Hardoi may be a small dot on the map, but for me, it will always be a place of big ideas and unforgettable memories. For anyone looking to ignite young minds and prepare them for the best debate competitions, a place like Hardoi holds all the magic one could ask for.