In an inspiring display of intellect, eloquence, and critical thinking, young Indian American student Rayansh Prasad Bhargava and his debate teammates Habib Azar and Anav Dey triumphed at the esteemed NYC Urban Debate League Novice Championship — a premier academic competition that draws the brightest young minds from across New York City.
The championship, open only to top-ranked students who advanced through five rigorous qualifying rounds, featured elite debaters from both public and private schools citywide. Entering the elimination stage as the top seed in the novice division, the team maintained their momentum with a thrilling series of victories — winning the quarterfinals (2–1), the semifinals (by unanimous decision), and ultimately clinching the championship title in the final round.
In addition to the team’s outstanding performance, Rayansh Prasad Bhargava earned individual recognition as the 4th Best Speaker overall, a testament to his dedication, skill, and countless hours of preparation.
Throughout the competition, participants tackled pressing contemporary issues — ranging from cash bail reform and civil disobedience to tourism taxes — crafting arguments for both sides with only 20 minutes of preparation time per round. The event, held behind closed doors with no audience or recordings permitted, ran from 9 AM to 6 PM, testing not only knowledge but endurance and adaptability.
This achievement is a proud moment for the Indian American community and highlights the power of hard work, mentorship, and family support in fostering academic excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of Rayansh and the entire team for representing their schools and community with such brilliance,” said a family member.
