The day dawned bright and beautiful. I had enjoyed a lot on the previous day. The Fest was a new experience. Seeing how the campus looks like after 10 PM was an eye opener. I was at peace with the world.
That day I decided that I should grace some of the competitions with my august presence. I looked at the schedule and there it was-" DEBATE" ,the event that would cause me embarassment for a long time. But i was blissfully unaware of this fact and marched happily to the gallows.
A few bored looking people had turned up for the event with equally bored looking judges. Participants were given topics 2 mins before going on the dias. I got an absurd topic " What if I had been a judge?" and quickly floored the judges with my wit. Obviously I easily went on to the next round along with some other heavyweights.
The second round was turncoat. I was to give my views on the age old saying "An eye for an eye- is the way to go". But I am one of those who use their grey cells a lot. I interpreted the topic as " An I for an I- is the way to go"(Typical IITian- using brains for silly purposes). The best part was that I spoke eloquently, giving my views both for and against the topic( don't know what I spoke). This time as well the judges were floored albeit in the opposite sense. The few people who were watching the event, were rolling on their seats with laughter. And the best part was I realized my mistake only after completely speaking for the stipulated time.
I was embarassed and I only wished that I could disappear. The judges eyed me with displeasure and pity as if I had let them down. And once outside I realised the significance of telecommunication. The news had travelled far and wide. I could feel people smirking at me as I walked past them.
More than a year has passed since this accident occured. But still my friends remind me about it before any debate or GD. And whenever an extempore is held, the organisers make it a point to give me the topic in writing. But I must pay for what "I" have done.
