“Cicero Challenge 2008” was one of the most memorable and blissful event of the year. The International Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) organised India’s largest Inter-School Debate Competition- “CICERO’S CHALLENGE 2008 - GREAT INDIAN DREAM DEBATE COMPETITION” at IIPM’s International Campus, Satbari (Mehrauli-Chattarpur Road). The debate competition served as a perfect platform for the students to exhibit their knowledge and talents on the topic: “The inconvenient truth is that we can do nothing about the global warming, so quit trying …..”.  

“Cicero Challenge” is known for transcending barriers by roping in students from Italy, Austria, Bosnia, Switzerland, France, Mauritius, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, South Africa and Muscat, to participate on a common platform for sharing their ideas, views and opinions.  The magnitude of the event was humungous as it involved participation of more than 60 schools, out of which 19 were International. This huge pool of knowledge raised the level of enthusiasm and confidence of the participants and made the environment all the more interesting and captivating.

IIPM is known for appreciating and encouraging talent and for motivating the best orators The winner of the debate competition was felicitated with a cash prize of Rs. One lakh, followed by Rs. 50,000 for the 1st Runner-up and 25,000 for the 2nd Runner-up. The honorary judges at the debate competition were Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri, Dean, Centre for Economic Research & Advanced Studies, IIPM, Mr. Rajat Sharma, Chairman & Editor in Chief, India TV, Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, MD, Kinetic Motors, India and Ms. Deepika Jindal, Owner, ‘Art ‘d inox’.

“Cicero’s Challenge” was not just confining itself to oratory and the world of knowledge only. It is known for expanding its horizons in other fun activities as well. These entertaining activities include Face Painting, Collage Making, Creative Writing, Choreography, School of Rock, Ad-Zap, Antakshari, Treasure Hunt, Personality Competition, and so on.

There were more than 150 participants from various International and National Schools, however only top 23 reached the Grand Finale on 06th September 2008, and the competition was tough and exciting. On the D-Day the nervousness was not only seen on the faces of the 23 participants but the audiences were equally tensed. Nikhil Chinappa, the famous MTV VJ, was the host of the day, opened the ceremony with a laughter note to make the whole environment light. One by one, each participant came on the stage and delivered their thought in favour or against on the topic “The inconvenience truth is that we can nothing about Global Warming, so quit trying”.

At last, everyone got over with their speech and finally Prof. Arindam Chaudhari came in to give away the final verdict. The second runner up was announced Mr. Liviu Holender from Danube International School, Austria and the first runner up was from the British School, New Delhi. The king of the day was Ch. Vaishnav from Sainik School, Chittorgarh who took away Rs. 1 Lakh. The hall was filled with claps and Vaishnav jumped off his seat. Everyone congratulated him and the ceremony came to an end.

For the music and party lovers, IIPM organized a fun filled evening which for sure was one of the most scintillating event, a “Rock Show” performance by “FUZON” – a renowned Pakistani Band. Fuzon constitutes of three key members: Shallum – Guitars, Rameez – Vocals, EMU – Keyboard, set the stage on fire at IIPM’s International Campus, Satbari (Mehrauli Chattarpur Road).

IIPM known for its innovative initiatives and this was one of them which had carved for paying a common platform for students from different walks of life.   Cicero’s ended this year but it has left an unremarkable and unforgettable memory in everyone’s life.