Vivekananda Institute for Leadership Development (V-LEAD), a unit of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), Mysuru, hosted its 4th Argumentation and Debate Workshop from June 26 to June 28 on its Mysuru campus. The three-day residential workshop was open to high school students aged 13 to 15.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the ILR School, Cornell University, U.S., as part of an international initiative to promote communication and leadership skills among school students. This year, 29 students participated in the programme, which focused on enhancing their skills in debate, public speaking, and critical thinking.

Nandini Rao from St. Lawrence International School was the chief guest at the inaugural session held on June 26, with Manoj Sebastian, head – training and research at V-LEAD, presiding over the session.

Throughout the workshop, experienced trainers, previous workshop winners, and interns from the ILR School, Cornell University, led sessions covering structured argumentation techniques, rebuttal strategies, and persuasive communication. The interactive team-based practice sessions enabled students to build confidence in expressing their viewpoints effectively, a press release said.

On the final day, a debate tournament was conducted where students showcased their newly acquired skills.

Rekha, director of V-LEAD, Srimathi Aamudha, principal VSOE Sainik School, Saragur, and Srimathi Lekha Nair, principal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan were the chief guests at the valedictory function. Certificates were distributed to all participants and prizes were given to the best performers in various categories, the release added.

Speaking on the occasion, organisers emphasised that the initiative is yet another step in SVYM’s mission to empower young minds and build socially responsible future leaders.