They are argumentative Indians in the making.

Over 200 students from across the state participated in the regional rounds of the Frank Anthony Memorial All India Inter-School Debate Competition hosted by six schools on Friday. They are ADLS Sunshine School, Narbheram Hansraj English School, Rajendra Vidyalaya, Little Flower School, Carmel Junior College and RVS Academy.

Named after Frank Anthony, a prominent leader of the Anglo-Indian community who was also a nominated member of the Parliament, the debate is conducted by Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations every year.

Friday’s winners have made it to the zonal round, the date for which is yet to be decided. The final is likely to take place end of this year.

“This is one of the prestigious events organised by the council. Thousands participate from across the country. The motions are decided by the organiser,” said Indrani Singh, principal of ADLS Sunshine School, which hosted the regional round at Michael John Auditorium.

Students have been divided into two groups — category I comprises Classes XI and XII pupils, while category II has participants from classes IX and X. More or less, similar topics were given to both groups. While plus two students spoke for and against the motion “A Disciplined Man is a Lonesome Person in this Age of Lawlessness”, their juniors were at loggerheads with each other over the point “A disciplined mind is a free mind”.

The participants were given an hour, during which they had to prepare their speeches. Each debater was allowed four minutes to speak and two minutes for the rebuttal round.

There were three judges at each venue. While the winners at each of the six schools were awarded merit certificates, others got participation certificates.