Date:31/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073151080200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

The biggest debate

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: “Verbal Battle”, the biggest State-level debate competition, will be held for all school students in the State from August 7. The competition, which will be on till August 14, is open for school students in the age group of 12 to 16. More than 2,000 students from 500 schools will participate in it.

Founder of “Verbattle” and TV artiste Deepak Thimmaya, said, “‘Verbattle’ is a small contribution towards making the future of the Indian democracy, better and stronger. The winners this time will be getting a huge cash prize, thanks to our many sponsors who have come forward this time to give a platform for the students of the State.”

The contest will take place in three zones: Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli. The selected teams will be brought to Bangalore. The first selection round will be held at Hubli on August 7 and the second at Mangalore on August 9. The zonal selections in Bangalore will begin on August 11 and will go on till August 14. The lucky students can find themselves on TV, as Sun Network will be telecasting the event on its news slot “Udaya Vartegalu” regularly.