When I first received the invitation to conduct a Behes Boot Camp in Hardoi, a
small town nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Known for its temples, narrow roads, and warm hospitality, Hardoi seemed an
unlikely place for a debating camp. However, little did I know that this trip would
be filled with unique experiences, from a midnight train drama to sharing a room
with an early-rising parrot owner, and, of course, encountering some of the
brightest (and laziest) young minds I’ve ever met.
This boot camp was more than just preparation for the best debate competitions; it
was a deep dive into ideas, creativity, and teamwork that transcended geographical
boundaries.
The journey to Hardoi began in the most quintessentially Indian way—a train ride.
As the night progressed, the rhythmic chug of the train lulled most passengers into
a state of drowsiness, myself included. Suddenly, the train jolted to a stop in the
middle of nowhere. Confused murmurs filled the compartment. Some speculated it
was a signal failure; others whispered about a cow on the tracks. The truth turned
out to be far more absurd.
A fellow passenger, in a moment of sheer panic, had pulled the chain to stop the
train. His reason? He had accidentally dropped his phone out of the window. I
couldn’t believe my ears when the train guard announced this. As the man pleaded
with the staff to let him search for his lost phone in the dark, I looked around and
saw a mixture of exasperation and amusement on the passengers' faces.
The episode delayed us by nearly an hour, but it gave me time to chat with a group
of college students traveling home for the holidays. They were curious about my
destination and the concept of Behes. By the time the train finally started moving
again, I had turned the delay into a mini promotional session for the art of
debating, explaining how participating in the best debate competitions can shape
their analytical and communication skills.Arriving in Hardoi the next morning, I was greeted by the warm and enthusiastic
school staff who had organized the camp. The school, a sprawling campus with a
mix of modern classrooms and traditional courtyards, was to be my home for the
next three days. I was shown to my accommodation—a modest room on the school
premises, which I would be sharing with a teacher named Mr. Sharma.
Mr. Sharma was an interesting character, to say the least. A devout bird lover, he
had a pet parrot that he treated like royalty. Every morning at 4 AM, Sharma Ji
would wake up to prepare a special meal for his feathery friend. Despite my initial
irritation at being woken up so early, I couldn’t help but admire his dedication. On
the second morning, he even invited me to meet the parrot, who, much to my
surprise, greeted me with a cheerful “Good morning!”
Sharma Ji’s quirks made my stay all the more memorable. He also turned out to be
an excellent conversationalist, sharing anecdotes about Hardoi’s history and its
lesser-known spots, including a temple with intricate carvings that we visited on
the last evening of my stay.
The students at the boot camp were a delightful paradox. Their intellectual
curiosity was unparalleled; they asked questions that would make seasoned
debaters pause to think.
“If AI takes over the world, will it have a fashion sense?”
one student quipped during a discussion on the Behes theme
‘Drip Around the
World’
.
However, their enthusiasm for thinking didn’t always translate into action. Tasks
like drafting arguments or preparing rebuttals often required a great deal of
nudging. One afternoon, as I watched a group of students lounging on the floor
instead of working on their debate motions, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re
great at ideas but terrible at doing!” I exclaimed, to which one student cheekily
replied,
“Isn’t that what mentors are for?”
Despite their occasional laziness, the students’ eagerness to learn made the camp
an absolute joy. Their transformation over the three days was remarkable. They
began as hesitant participants but ended up showing great promise, equipped to
take on the best debate competitions with confidence and skill.The evenings in Hardoi offered a chance to explore the town. One particularly
memorable visit was to a centuries-old temple known for its unique rituals and
serene ambiance. The temple’s priest, noticing my curiosity, explained the history
behind its carvings and rituals.
“Hardoi is a small town, but it holds the stories of
many lifetimes,
” he said, his words echoing in the quiet courtyard.
Another evening, I visited the bustling local market. The vibrant stalls, selling
everything from colorful fabrics to steaming plates of chaat, provided a stark
contrast to the calm of the temple. At one point, I found myself in a spirited
bargaining session with a vendor over a handcrafted scarf and even ended up
telling him all about Behes and what I do at schools across our fair country.. It was
a refreshing reminder of the simple joys of small-town life.
The boot camp culminated in a mini-debate tournament. Watching the students put
their newly acquired skills into action was immensely rewarding. One team argued
passionately about the significance of fashion in shaping identity, while another
debated the ethics of clothing production.
The debates were as insightful as they were entertaining, filled with moments of
wit and wisdom. For many students, it was their first step towards participating in
the best debate competitions, and their excitement was palpable.
At the end of the day, as we handed out certificates and clicked group photos, I
couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The students had come a long way in just
three days, proving that with curiosity and guidance, young minds can achieve
incredible things.
As I boarded the train back home, I found myself reflecting on the unique
experiences of the past few days. From the chaotic train ride to the parrot’s early
morning greetings, from the students’ extraordinary ideas to the town’s hidden
gems, Hardoi had left an indelible mark on me.
The Behes Boot Camp in Hardoi wasn’t just about teaching debate; it was about
learning—about people, places, and the power of curiosity. It reminded me thateven in the most unexpected corners of the world, there are stories waiting to be
discovered and minds waiting to be inspired.
Hardoi may be a small dot on the map, but for me, it will always be a place of big
ideas and unforgettable memories. For anyone looking to ignite young minds and
prepare them for the best debate competitions, a place like Hardoi holds all the
magic one could ask for.