St. John College, Dimapur, department of history organized a “Brainstorming: St. John’s intelligence squared debate” on February 1.
A press release from HoD department of history, Senkatoshi stated that Aosangla of B.A. 6th Semester, who spoke in favor of talent as being more important, claimed that “talent is the special ability that allows somebody to do something well” and that “talent prevails before hard work.” She maintained that talent cannot be acquired through practice.
However, Lanlia Jamir, B.A. 4th Semester, in her rebuttal said that “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” She argued that talent does not guarantee anything in this world without hard work. Drawing examples from the likes of Albert Einstein, she quipped that “the hardest worker in the room is always going to beat the talented guy who doesn’t work hard.”
Among others, Akashi Jhimo, B.Sc. 6th Semester and Vikili Ayemi, B.A. 2nd Semester, also spoke in favor of “hard work” as opposed to “talent.” Manngam Konyak, B.Sc. 4th Semester and Nukusa, B.Sc. 2nd Semester, spoke for “talent” beating “hard work.”
Altogether, six students from each semester, both Science and Arts, participated in the debate competition.
Lanlia Jamir, Aosangla and Akashi Jhimo were adjudged the first, second and third prize winners respectively. The debate was moderated by Sentijungla, of B.A. 6th Semester.