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Hyderabad, July 22. EThames Business School has launched an initiative that shifts the focus from coding to Communication as its core feature. Along with restructuring Business Education, EThames Business School has initiated the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, which is the first inter-school communication skills championship in Telangana. Unlike a competition, TeenOrator Challenge 2026 focuses on developing confident communicators, storytellers and future leaders, through a structured learning process.
The championship is based on a simple idea: while AI can do most things and make most tasks easier, communication, critical thinking, creativity, or leadership among other things, will always be invaluable. Understanding that, EThames is encouraging schools to nominate students who are ready to learn life skills and who are ready to use them.
In relation to the initiative, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and ex-Managing Partner of EY, expressed that in a world where AI can write, do math and analyze, the only real differentiator will be the ability to do all those things and additionally communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently.
In a similar belief, V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd.) and Chief Transformation Officer of EThames Business School, stated that communication and not coding will be the defining factor of the world’s leaders. She also highlighted the fact that most students are reluctant to speak and many of those have never spoken in public, participated in debates or public speaking, although they excel in academics.
The TeenOrator Challenge 2026 introduced skills development in safely catering for skills the AI won't replace. Participants have three tracks: Oratoria, Narrativa, and Dialectica. With this development focus, confidence, leadership, and employability are developed through lifelong learning.
The qualification process for TeenOrator is different from standard school competitions, comprising four steps. Students study a category-relevant official guidebook and record a one-minute video to summarize the learning, which is submitted. Those shortlisted then participate in a virtual meeting with the EThames Selection Committee, through which they are assessed for comprehension, interaction, and potential. This process has to be completed to qualify for the championship, so all participants have a background of effective communication.
EThames openeth the gates of inclusion. This time, we see urban and rural schools benefit, and special efforts are made towards government schools. A language no be a barrier. English, Hindi, and Telugu are accepted. Six students from government schools can be selected for the competition. Communication training and mentorship are offered to a variety of talented students.
Instead of offering prizes, the program aims to enhance the development of the students in the long run. For every individual who makes the shortlist, they will receive the opportunity of a lifetime to partake in formal mentorship. These mentorship opportunities come from communication specialists and will serve to advance their public speaking and debating skills. More importantly, these sessions will provide students with practice, feedback, and exposure to the world, and allow them to become more confident. The goal of the organizers is to have students gain an education beyond the competitive setting of the program.
All schools in Telangana have been allowed to nominate students who meet their criteria. These nominations will be accepted until July 28, 2026. Videos that summarize a participant's learning in one minute must be submitted by August 2, 2026, to be considered for an online interview. In the run-up to the Quarter Finals, which will be held on August 21, 2026, and the Grand Finale, which will be on August 22, 2026, at EThames Business School in Raidurgam, Hyderabad, participants will receive special training workshops held on or before August 15, 2026.
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