In all, eight speakers from different city schools, who were selected in earlier rounds spoke on two different topics i.e. Pakistan’s ambition — an economic or regional military power; and can education alone cure the ailing society in our country.
British Deputy High Commissioner David Pearey, who was the chief guest, gave away the prizes to the winners.
Speaking on the topic of education, students expressed the views that without education major issues of the society could not be addressed adequately.
Education ensured development of human resources which had badly been neglected in Pakistani society.
It was viewed that education not only enlightened the population but also ensured the increase in the per capita income of any country. One of the speakers said that education could help combat any ailment of the society, provided their was willingness and commitment by individuals to bring a meaningful change in the society.
Another speaker maintained that there was corruption at every level in the society due to moral deprivation and as such education alone could not contribute to improve the situation, particularly in a society that was already filled with inter- community prejudices and ethnic groupings. It was also viewed that education alone could not bring harmony and economic uplift, unless the society got a committed leadership, good governance and suitable technology and wisdom.
Speaking on the first topic i.e. Pakistan’s ambition to become an economic power and military power, the speakers were of the view that Pakistan could opt for military leadership in the region but first it should develop itself as an economic power, otherwise there were bleak chances as observed in the case of some other countries. Though Pakistan has become an atomic power, it was still faced with issues like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and economic destability.
David Pearey appreciated the speakers for their tireless preparation and termed them excellent orators. He also referred to the founding father of the country Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was also an orator. He said that Mr Jinnah was a genuine leader, he was a man of vision and action and an intellectual who remained committed to his society, who used all his power to bring a change.
The president of The Jinnah Society, Liaquat Merchant, Deputy Director of the British Council, Samina Khan, Faryal Hussain of Oxford University Press also spoke. The declamation contest was jointly organized by The Jinnah Society, Oxford University Press and Department of Culture and tourism, Sindh Government.
The trophy of the competition was given to Sana Syed of St Patrick’s High School, who also won a cash prize of Rs 25000.
Ayesha Siddiqui of The Lyceum and Ambreen Shayaq of Convent of Jesus and Mary won the second (Rs 15000) and third (Rs 10000) prizes, respectively.
Later, the deputy high commissioner along with other dignitaries inaugurated an exhibition of rare photographs of the Quaid and precious collections relating to the Quaid and Pakistan, organised by the Sindh Museum, Hyderabad, and Sindh Culture department.