IISM Hosts the Second Edition of “Battle with Words”, an Inter-School Debate Competition
IISM Hosts the Second Edition of “Battle with Words”, an Inter-School Debate Competition
Debate is an art where logic shapes thought, perspective deepens understanding, and respect leads discourse.!!!
Days of meticulous preparation, unwavering hard work, and determined effort culminated in a resounding success on the evening of 13 December 2025, when India International School, Mangaf proudly hosted the second edition of ‘Battle with Words’ — the Dr. P. A. Ibrahim Haji Memorial Inter-School Debate Competition — on its campus. Young and talented debaters representing nearly sixteen CBSE schools across Kuwait participated in the event, eloquently showcasing their intellectual prowess on the thought-provoking topic, ‘Is Cultural Diversity an Asset to a Nation?’”
The programme was graced by the presence of India International School Director, Mr. Malayil Moosa Koya; the Esteemed Chief Guest, Adv. Haris Beeran, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Advocate, Supreme Court of India; the Guest of Honour, Mr. Aleem from Delhi. Also present were PACE Group Director, Mr. Salman Ibrahim; Chief Executive Officer, PACE Group, Mr. Asif Mohammed; Principal, Dr. K. Saleem; Operations Manager, Mr. Mohammed Iqbal; and PACE Group Representative, Mr. Mohammed Hisham. The event was further elevated by the presence of a distinguished panel of judges comprising Advocate Rajesh Sagar, Legal Adviser, Kuwait Airways; Mr. Sajeev K. Peter, Editor, Kuwait Times; and Mr. Sajjad Valiya, Journalist, along with a special guest and eminent invitees from various organizations across Kuwait. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of the coordinators from sixteen CBSE schools across Kuwait, the Headmistress of India International School, Mrs. Sridevi Neelakannan; the Event Coordinator and Class IX–XII Coordinator, Mr. Shihab; the Middle School Coordinator, Mrs. Prema Balasubramanyan; and the Kindergarten Head, Mrs. Najiyah Kader, whose presence added grace and significance to the occasion.
The programme commenced with the reverent recitation of the Holy Quran by Mohammed Eisa of Class XI, invoking the blessings of the Almighty. This was followed by the stirring rendition of the Kuwait National Anthem, fostering a sense of unity and pride. The Principal, Dr. K. Saleem, then delivered a warm and gracious welcome address to the distinguished dignitaries and guests present. Following this, Mr. Shihab Nilgiri, the Event Coordinator, briefed the participants on the rules and regulations in his introductory speech officially setting the stage for the competition to begin.
The debate competition that followed was truly remarkable, as the young and aspiring debaters displayed an impressive spirit of articulation and rebuttal. Their arguments were well-structured, insightful, and thought-provoking, and it was inspiring to witness them confidently defend their viewpoints in the face of challenging questions.
The judges played an indispensable role in the success of the competition, meticulously evaluating the participants’ performances on multiple parameters, including content, delivery, style, and rebuttal. Their task demanded careful judgment, objectivity, and impartiality, as they made thoughtful decisions to recognize excellence. In addition, the judges provided constructive feedback to the debaters, highlighting their strengths while offering guidance for improvement, thereby fostering growth and enhancing their debating skills.
The cynosure of the day was a soulful Malayalam prayer song rendered melodiously by Mr. Mohammed Wajid from the Accounts Department and Mr. Rohit S. Nair, a distinguished singer and student of Grade XII. The poem, penned by Malayil Moosa Koya, under the pen name Abu Iqbal, was written in memory of our esteemed Founder-Chairman, Late Dr. P. A. Ibrahim Haji, wherein he beautifully expressed his profound gratitude and deep reverence. The music for this evocative composition was composed by our Principal, Dr. K. Saleem. Through this poetic genre, the poet conveyed his emotions and tribute, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The performance was received with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, reflecting the deep appreciation from the audience.
Following this, the keynote address and tribute was delivered by Adv. Haris Beeran, Member of the Rajya Sabha and Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. In his address, he lauded the diversification initiatives of the Founder-Chairman, Late Dr. P. A. Ibrahim Haji, highlighting how his visionary leadership and innovative strategies strengthened the institution, expanded opportunities for students, and set a benchmark for excellence in education and holistic development. Adv. Beeran further remarked that Late Dr. P. A. Ibrahim Haji was not merely an individual but an institution in himself, whose enduring vision, dedication, and legacy continue to inspire and guide generations of students and educators. He also reflected on the debate topic, “Is Cultural Diversity an Asset to a Nation?”, emphasizing how diversity shapes a nation’s strength and identity. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the Right to Vote as a fundamental responsibility of every citizen.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, a memento was presented to the esteemed Chief Guest by the Director, Mr. Malayil Moosa Koya. The presentation symbolized IISM’s appreciation for the guest’s gracious presence, valuable time, and meaningful contribution to the occasion.
The next segment of the day celebrated the Academic Excellence Awards, honoring the remarkable scholastic achievements of the students. In the Science Stream, students who secured above 95% were felicitated with a Gold Coin, Certificate, and Memento by the esteemed guests, recognizing their dedication and hard work. The awardees included Mishal Ur Rahman and Edwin Mathew for the academic year 2022–23, Mohammed Faiz for 2023–24, and Syed Suhail for 2024–25. Similarly, Academic Achievers in the Commerce Stream were honored with a Certificate and Memento, including Merlyn Thomas (2022–23), Sheza Noushad (2023–24), and Augustine Antony (2024–25). In addition, outstanding performers from Class X, Joaan T. Abhilash (2023–24) and Ann Maria Sebastian (2024–25), were also felicitated, reflecting the school’s commitment to recognizing excellence across all streams and grades.
Furthermore, it was a proud moment for the school, adding yet another feather in the cap of India International School Kuwait’s accomplishments, as students were honored for their outstanding achievements in both sports and the arts. Ishaq Imthiyaz, a student of class VIII , brought immense pride to the school and the Indian community by securing the Silver Medal at the IMMAF Asian Championships 2025 held in Lebanon. Competing in the Youth C – 52 kg division, he represented Team India with exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship, achieving three consecutive victories on the international stage.Similarly, in the realm of the arts, Rohit Shyam Nair, an extraordinarily gifted vocalist, has trained in Carnatic Classical Music for over twelve years and performs in ten languages. His remarkable talent has been recognized nationally and internationally, earning him prestigious accolades including Kalaprathiba, Star Singer, and the Gulfmadhyamam Metro Medical Sing Kuwait 2025 Title, reflecting his dedication, versatility, and artistic excellence.
The moment of anticipation culminated in the felicitation of the debate champions, recognizing their wit, reasoning, and command over words. Naomi Dsouza from the Indian English Academy School was crowned the champion, while David Mathew Samuel of the Indian Community School, Khaitan secured the runner-up position. In addition, four exceptional participants were recognized as Best Performers for their outstanding contributions to the debate: Mahir Aiman from Gulf Indian School, Pranav Sriram from Indian Educational School, Niveditha Prasanth from United International Indian School, and Ananya Anil Tom from the Indian English Academy School. Their eloquence, critical thinking, and confidence truly enriched the competition.
The esteemed judges of the event, Advocate Rajesh Sagar, Legal Adviser; Mr. Sajeev K. Peter, Editor of Kuwait Times; and Mr. Sajjad Valiya were graciously honored by the Director, Malayil Moosakoya in recognition of their valuable guidance, impartial judgment, and contribution to the success of the competition.
The momentous occasion drew to a close with a graceful vote of thanks delivered by the Event Coordinator, Mr. Shihab. He extended sincere appreciation to the dignitaries and esteemed guests for their presence and guidance, which lent prestige to the event. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the parents, the dedication and enthusiasm of the participants, and the commendable performances of the winners. Special appreciation was conveyed to the entire IISM family for their collective efforts, cooperation, and commitment, all of which contributed to the resounding success of the debate competition. His words aptly highlighted the spirit of unity and teamwork that made the event truly memorable.
