The Commerce Colloquium: Igniting Young Minds Through Debate

July 17th, 2025

Posted in General

It began not with loud applause, but with a quiet anticipation—the kind that signals something meaningful is about to unfold. At St. Francis Xavier School, that anticipation blossomed into The Commerce Colloquium, an inter-class debate competition hosted by the Commerce Club in collaboration with the Public Speaking Club.

What transpired was not merely a contest of arguments, but a celebration of intellect, inquiry, and informed expression.

How Do You Train a Debater? You Don’t. You Empower One.

Before the event even began, something important happened. Students from Classes IX to XII attended a series of focused sessions—not just on public speaking, but on thinking: how to question an idea, how to respond without reacting, how to turn research into an argument that lands.

These were not just prep sessions. They were mindset shifts.
And the results? Visible on stage, audible in every well-placed rebuttal.

Round One: The Unexpected Rise of Commerce

“Commerce Reigns Supreme: Why Even Science Students Are Chasing Business Roles.”
That was the first motion. And the energy in the room? Unmissable.

Teams tackled everything from the startup culture to the global appeal of MBAs. Some challenged the motion, others embraced it—but all made one thing clear: today’s students aren’t boxed in by their stream. They’re chasing impact, autonomy, and innovation—and commerce, in many ways, feels like the gateway.

Round Two: When Finance Meets the Future

Cryptocurrency took centre stage in the final round with the motion:
“Cryptocurrency: The Future of Finance or a Passing Trend?”

Arguments about decentralised economies, volatility, government regulations, and the future of banking systems flowed from both sides.

What stood out? The participants didn’t just know the buzzwords. They understood the forces shaping tomorrow’s economy—and they had opinions worth listening to.

Beyond the Podium

Of course, there were winners:

• Gurnoor Kaur Nayyar and Parna Saha claimed the top spot with clarity and composure.
• Priti Saha and Shobhit Bhotra were named runners-up for their thoughtful synergy.
• Gurnoor also earned Best Speaker, and rightfully so.

But what was most striking wasn’t who won—it was how everyone carried themselves. With respect. With curiosity. With a desire to learn, not just impress.

The Real Takeaways? Not Just Trophies.

What did students walk away with? Here’s a glimpse:

• The ability to think critically and speak with confidence.
• A clearer understanding of real-world issues.
• The art of listening and building counterpoints without tearing others down.
• And a fresh lens on commerce—not as a subject, but as a living, evolving world.

Echoes After the Applause

Next year, the themes may change. The teams will be new. But the spirit of the event—curious, articulate, and driven by a spirit of excellence—will stay the same.

And that’s what makes it more than a debate.
It’s a launchpad.

– Rajasri Mandal (Assistant Teacher)