DEBATE ON AI: A THREAT TO HUMANITY

Voices of the Future: Don Bosco’s Inter-Stream Debate on Artificial Intelligence

Don Bosco Junior College, Naigaon East, conducted the Inter-Stream Debate Competition 2025 – 26 on 27th November 2025. The theme, “AI: A Threat to Humanity?” encouraged students to reflect on the power and responsibility of technology. The event brought together participants from the Science and Commerce streams.

The event commenced with an inspiring address by the Rector, Fr Dominic Martis. He urged students to understand the ethical implications of innovation and to grow as authentic communicators rooted in human values despite the growing influence of the digital world.

A pre-debate Google Forms poll with 147 responses showed that a majority viewed AI as a possible threat.

Representing the Proposition Team (Commerce) were Ms. Shreya Bhakta, Ms. Ayushi Singh, and Ms. Eden Monsurate. Representing the Opposition Team (Science) were Mst. Ryan Messy, Ms. Mrunali Mhatre, and Mst. Ranveer Upadhyay.

The Proposition Team argued that AI could endanger global stability, privacy, and employment.

The Opposition Team presented AI as a transformative tool when used responsibly and ethically.

The participants were trained in the WSDC – World Schools Debate Championship format under the guidance of Fr Joaquim Fernandes, Vice Principal, with Tr Lovely Gavad supporting the training process. The event was moderated by Mrs Prima Coutinho, a dedicated educator who has been serving the institution for fifteen years.

The program was honoured by a seasoned and professional panel of judges - Mr Abhishek Sharma, Ms Leena Pereira, and Mr Dwayne Fernandes. Ms Manjula Kadirvel, a practicing lawyer, served as the Guest of Honour. Mr Abhishek Sharma stressed that AI’s impact depends greatly on human intention and proper governance.

Principal Rev Fr Anthony Fonseca, emphasised that such programs nurture critical thinking and empower students to make responsible choices in life.

The Opposition Team (Science) emerged victorious, and Mst. Ranveer Upadhyay received the Best Speaker Award.

The debate upheld the Salesian vision of nurturing independent thinkers who use technology wisely without losing human values.