BK Mohammed Kunhi Elocution Competition 2025: A celebration of young voices

The MES Alumni Association (MESAA), in collaboration with MESAA Toastmasters Club, successfully hosted the third edition of the Libano-Suisse BK Mohammed Kunhi Elocution Competition. The event honours the late B.K. Mohammed Kunhi, the visionary principal of MES Indian School from 1979 to 2001.The competition, open to students aged 10–17 from across Qatar, featured two formats—Inspirational Speech and Impromptu Speech—across junior and senior categories. Over 350 students from more than 20 schools applied, with two rounds of screening leading to 40 finalists. The finale was held at MES Indian School – Abu Hamour Branch (MESIS).In the Inspirational Speech – Senior Category, Sheza Kabeer (DPS Modern Indian School) won first place for From Blast to Boost. Mohammad Aiman Jamil (MES Indian School) came second with You’re Running Out of Somedays, followed by Aaesha Fathima Basheer (MES) with Born to Excel.In the Junior Category, Ishel Mohamed (Doha English Speaking School) took first place with Stand Up, Speak Up. Amaya Shibu (Noble International School) placed second, and Gunika Koul (Doha Modern Indian School) secured third.In the Impromptu Speech – Junior Category, based on "If you are a character from any story, who would you be and why?”, the winners were Christa Rose Anish (Olive International School), Afrah Fathima Nijas (MES Indian School), and Swara Thakare (DPS Modern Indian School).For Seniors, who spoke on "It’s important to change because...”, Harsh Thobani (DPS) earned first place, followed by Nandini Devang Pathak and Sheza Kabeer (both DPS).The event began with a welcome by MESAA General Secretary Samra Mahboob, who also introduced a heartfelt tribute video to Sri Kunhi. MESAA President Fazil Hameed reflected on Kunhi’s enduring legacy and how the event has become a platform for showcasing student excellence across Qatar.Samiha Sooppi, President of MESAA Toastmasters Club, expressed her sincere appreciation to all participants, parents, judges, volunteers, and alumni who contributed to the success of the event.Hameeda Kader, Principal of MES Indian School, shared touching memories of working under the leadership of B.K. Mohammed Kunhi. She recalled his dedication to discipline and academic excellence, and expressed pride in seeing his legacy honoured through a platform that empowers student voices.A special moment came from guest speaker Nathania Lela Vipin, an 8th-grade student from Olive International School living with cerebral palsy, whose inspiring speech moved the audience.A memento of gratitude was presented to MES Management for their unwavering support. The contests were chaired by Fawad Kasu, Thauseef Thayyib, and Mohammed Akbar Ali, with DTM Rajesh VC as Chief Judge. Event Chief Muhammed Safwan C.P. delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging support from sponsors including Libano-Suisse, Lulu Group, Action Coach, Radio Olive Suno Network, Spirit Events, Panache Advertising, and Gulf Times.