Beyond 8 concluded Samvaada: Debate to Understand, a two-day learning experience held on August 24 and 25, 2026, at the Beyond 8 Learning Centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru. The initiative brought learners together to explore debate not only as a form of argument, but as an opportunity to listen, question assumptions and understand different perspectives.
Designed as an alternative approach to the conventional school debate format, Samvaada placed equal emphasis on listening, questioning and reflection alongside speaking and presenting an argument. Learners were encouraged to understand an opposing viewpoint before responding to it and consider how their own thinking could evolve through the process.
The two-day format began with a Samvaada workshop and participant briefing, followed by multiple preliminary debate rounds. The format also included reflection and judge deliberation before moving into cross-group qualifier rounds, a third-place debate and the final debate on the second day.
The initiative brought together learners from different schools and backgrounds, creating opportunities for participants to interact with people outside their familiar peer groups. Through the debates and collaborative interactions, learners were encouraged to understand different communication styles, work across differences and find common ground.
The approach was also designed to respond to the changing environment in which young people communicate and form opinions. With social media and digital platforms making it easier to express views, Samvaada focused on developing the ability to listen carefully, engage with disagreement and hold multiple perspectives at the same time.
“Education cannot only be about giving learners the confidence to speak. It must also give them the maturity to listen, the curiosity to question and the humility to acknowledge that they may not always have the complete answer,” said Raaji Naveen, Co-founder of Beyond 8. “When learners learn to disagree without dismissing the person on the other side, they are developing a capacity that extends far beyond a classroom or a debate. They are learning how to participate meaningfully in the world around them.”
The programme also incorporated reflection into the learning process, with learners encouraged to consider what changed in their understanding, which perspective challenged them and what they would carry forward from the conversation.
For Beyond 8, Samvaada forms part of a broader approach to learning that focuses not only on academic outcomes, but also on helping learners develop confidence, agency, critical thinking and the ability to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
The experience highlighted the importance of creating learning environments where l are encouraged not only to communicate their ideas with confidence, but also to reconsider their views when presented with a compelling perspective.
About Beyond 8
Founded by Raaji Naveen and Naveen Mahesh, Beyond 8 is a learner-designed high school ecosystem for Grades 9–12. It combines accredited academic pathways with personalised mentoring, internships, college pathways and real-world learning experiences.
Built on the belief that every learner’s journey is unique, Beyond 8 enables young people to develop the confidence, agency and capabilities required to thrive in higher education and beyond. Through initiatives such as Samvaada, Voyaging, Militvaa and Be You, Beyond 8 creates opportunities for learners to explore widely, make thoughtful choices and design futures that are truly their own.
