Ranchi, May 7: It was an impressive display of oratorial skills, presence of mind and general awareness at the Inter-school Declamation Competition at International Library and Cultural Centre today.

Young minds presented their views on pressing matters, as they participated at the declamation contest with zest.

Students from eight schools of the capital participated in the competition where they had to speak for 15 minutes on topics such as new generation is a misguided lot, materialism is destroying our value system, nuclear deal will endanger India’s sovereignty, independent state is an answer to India’s problems, a billion people with one goal, education system needs a serious overhaul and the institution of marriage is close to death.

Students from Classes VIII, IX and X took part in the competition where they had to speak for or against the motion in Hindi or English.

Vandana Sahu, a city-based educational psychologist and Anchala Singh, the head of an NGO, Lekni, were the two judges for the competition. Participants were marked on their confidence, language and content.

There were 37 students from institutes like Yogada Satsang Kanya Sakha, Bridgeford School, DPS, Surendranath Centenary, DAV Shyamali, DAV Bariatu and Taurian World School, among others.

Sugandha Misra was adjudged first while Vedanta Shankar from DPS School was declared second and the third prize was won by Pranjal Pratik of DAV, Shyamali.