OUR MISSION
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The purpose our club is to foster an environment where students develop analytical and interpersonal skills while building their self-confidence, through weekly practice in critical thinking, oral presentation, and dramatic performance and provide opportunities to achieve success for vested members in tournaments at the local, regional, and/or national level.
Meet The Team
Co-President
Abha Kulkarni
Hi my name is Abha Kulkarni and I am the 24-25’ co president. I’ve been an active debater in PF for around 6 years. Aside from this activity, I am involved in dance, track&field, and MUN. In my spare time, you can find me taking scenic photos, reading, or practicing the culinary arts. Feel free to contact me at abha07.kulkarni@gmail.com.
Co-President
Shardul Marathe
Hey, I am Shardul Marathe. I have been doing speech for the past 5 years! I am currently the California State Champion in Informative Speaking and have placed Top 5 at 20+ national-level tournaments. My speciality is Platform Events but I have done well in every speech sector. In my free time, I like to play chess, practice with my Diabolo(Chinese Yo-Yo), or play Super Smash Bros. If you got any questions, my name is shardulmarathe9@gmail.com
VP: Communication
Vedatman Duhoon
Hello! I’m Vedatman Duhoon and this is my sixth year in Public Forum debate. Throughout my time, I’ve amassed 8 bids for the Tournament Of Champions and have achieved a top 25 national ranking in my Junior Year. I’ve reached late elims at Stephen Stewart, James Logan, Cypress Bay, ASU and Columbia. In my freetime, I love to draw, watch soccer, and try new foods. You can reach me at vedatmand@gmail.com 🙂
VP: Events
Drishti Sethia
Hey guys, my name is Drishti! I have been part of speech and debate for 6 years. I compete primarily in Impromptu Speaking and Lincoln Douglas but I have experience with nearly all events. Throughout my debate career, I have accumulated over 1,850 NSDA points, ranking 6th nationally in Impromptu Speaking and among the top 20 in Lincoln-Douglas debate. In my free time I love to code, play badminton and solve puzzles. If you have any questions, please reach out at drishti.sethia@gmail.com.
Secretary
Evanka Parekh
Hi, My name is Evanka and I am the secretary for MSJ Speech and Debate Club. My role includes managing tabroom entries, and maintaining contact between the club, its advisor, and parents. I have been a member of debate for around 6 years. Some hobbies of mine include dance and watching horror movies. You can reach me at evankaparekh@gmail.com or @Evanka Parekh on facebook.
Secretary
Samanvi Hublikar
Hey!! My name is Samanvi and I am a secretary for the Speech and Debate club. Being secretary allows me to be organized, work with my peers, and be a part of something special. I have been doing speech and debate for at least four years now, and I really enjoy creating arguments and delivering well-crafted speeches. The idea of competing is also so rewarding to me, and it puts me on an adrenaline rush. In my free time, I like to cook, bake, hang out with friends, and watch Suits. You can reach me by email at saman9ch@gmail.com.
Treasurer
Kaiwei Parks
Hey My name is Kaiwei and I’m the 24-25’ Treasurer for the MSJ Speech and Debate club. This will be my fourth year doing public forum. If I’m not researching the next PF topic, I’m probably hanging out with my friends at the pool, sleeping, or eating at Cantaritos. You can reach me at kaiweiparks@gmail.com, @Kaiwei on Facebook, and @kaiweipks on Insta. I’m looking forward to working with all of you this year!!!
Publicity
Vihaan Pala
Hey, My name is Vihaan Pala, publicity officer here at Mission San Jose. This will be my fourth year in debate and I’m excited for an amazing year. Some hobbies outside of competing are basketball, programming, and coaching debate.
Speech Captain
Aarush Krishnamohan
Hey, my name is Aarush Krishnamohan. I’ve been involved in speech and debate for four years. Aside from that, I enjoy volunteering, Boy Scouts, exploring new tech ideas, and exploring new cuisine. Feel free to reach out at aarushk115@gmail.com!
PF Captain
Vaibhav Wudaru
Coming soon
PF Captain
Aaditya Manami-Ratan
My name is Aaditya Manami-Ratan. I have been competing in Public Forum debate for nearly 4 years and have been interested in debate even before then. I enjoy playing video games and watching tv shows and movies, especially Star Wars, in my free time.
LD Captain
Rohit Upamaka
Hey y’all! I’m Rohit Upamaka. I’m the main LD captain and I’m a varsity LD debater with 4+ years of experience. I’ve won several local tournaments as well as broken at varsity tournaments like Berkeley and TOC Digital. I like listening to hip hop and playing chess, and I’ll be the best coach you’ve ever had. Get ready for an amazing year in LD!!
LD Captain
Aarushi Agarwal
Hi, I'm Aarushi Agarwal and I am about to be a sophomore at Mission San Jose. I have been debating for the past three years, starting off with Public Forum and later transitioning to Lincoln Douglas. Outside of debate I like to bake, read, and hang out with my friends!