Debate Competition Encourages Rational Inquiry and Expression
Meerut: The Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, successfully organized an engaging Debate Competition on the topic “Does God Exist?” as part of English Literary Week–2026. The event brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds to present thoughtful perspectives, fostering intellectual dialogue and linguistic competence.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rafat Khanam, Associate Professor of English and Convenor of English Literary Week–2026, stated that the debate was not intended to affirm belief or disbelief on the theme but to showcase debate as a powerful pedagogical tool in language learning. She observed that such forums sharpen thought, build confidence, and cultivate articulation, ultimately contributing to holistic academic growth. She further emphasized that encouraging respectful disagreement and logical reasoning remains central to the objectives of the Literary Week.
The planter presentation ceremony was conducted as a mark of commitment to environmental consciousness and green values. Dr. Rafat Khanam presented a sapling to the judge of the debate competition, Ms. Sonal Jain, as a token of gratitude and respect.
Students actively participated For and Against the motion and presented their logical interpretations and analytical viewpoints. The debate witnessed a balanced and logical reasoning from both perspectives. Participants speaking in favour argued that belief in God offers moral grounding, emotional resilience, and a sense of purpose that has guided human civilization across cultures. Those presenting opposing views, against the motion, maintained that the existence of God remains a matter of philosophical inquiry, emphasizing empirical reasoning, scientific thought, and individual interpretation of reality. The exchange of arguments remained respectful and intellectually stimulating, embodying the true spirit of academic debate and critical engagement.
Objectives of the Event:
- To develop critical thinking and persuasive communication skills through structured argumentation.
- To encourage experiential language learning by promoting rational inquiry and respectful exchange of ideas.
Outcomes of the Event:
- Participants demonstrated enhanced confidence in public speaking and structured reasoning.
- The activity fostered a culture of academic dialogue, mutual respect, and interdisciplinary engagement among students.
The debaters presented logics include Samia Siddiqui, Rithik Dhigan, Bhumi, Preet, Mrinal Raj, Srishti, Divya, Saniya, Nishtha, Faha, Anish Verma, Zahira Hasan, Amod, Vaidehi, and Anshu Kumar, whose reasoned arguments and clarity of expression enriched the academic environment.
Winners of the Competition:
- I Position: Divya Chauhan (Bachelor of Arts) and Nishitha Chauhan (BNYS)
- II Position: Rithik Dhigan (Department of Languages) and Nikhil Singh (Pharmacy College)
- III Position: Anshu Kumar (Department of Languages) and Vaidehi (Law College)
The competition was judged by Ms. Sonal Jain, Assistant Professor, Law College. In her remarks, she appreciated the participants for maintaining balance between conviction and respect, noting that debate strengthens both intellectual maturity and communicative discipline.
The programme was smoothly conducted by the Masters of Ceremony, Kanishka, B.A. English IV Sem and Chhavi Tyagi, B.A. English II Sem, Students of Department of languages.
The programme was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Sudhir Tyagi, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Dr. Seema Sharma, Head, Department of Languages. Esteemed faculty members including Dr. Ranveer, Dr. Ashish, Dr. Abhijit, Dr. Swati, Dr. Preeti, Mr. Ankit, Ms. Bhavana, and Ms. Sanya, along with faculty members from various departments of the University, attended the event, adding dignity and encouragement to the proceedings. The presence of students from Subhart Defence Academy further enhanced the diversity and enthusiasm of the audience.
The debate concluded on an intellectually stimulating note, reinforcing the spirit of dialogue, inclusivity, and scholarly exploration that English Literary Week–2026 seeks to cultivate.
