Prayagraj, August 30, 2025 — Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU) achieved a historic milestone by successfully hosting its first International Debate Competition 2025, organized by the Debate and Discussion Club (DDC). The event marked a significant step in the university’s journey of academic excellence and global engagement.
A Debate on Global Peace and Security
The central theme of the debate was “The U.N. has failed in maintaining international peace and security.” The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from 28 teams across India and abroad, with students presenting thought-provoking arguments on the role of the United Nations in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Participants showcased exceptional legal reasoning, analytical skills, and critical engagement, highlighting the intellectual caliber of the next generation of lawyers.
Leadership and Inspiration
In her welcome address during the Valedictory Programme, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon lauded the Debate and Discussion Club for spearheading this initiative. She emphasized RPNLU’s mission to create platforms for rigorous academic dialogue, stating:
“Through debate and discussion, engaging with international concerns, our students not only sharpen their advocacy skills but also cultivate a sense of responsibility towards building a more peaceful and just world. This competition is a step towards preparing our future lawyers to be global citizens.”
The Valedictory Session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Senior Judge, Allahabad High Court, who congratulated the winners and praised the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon. Justice Gupta emphasized that while nations often fight for power, humanity is neglected, remarking:
“The United Nations has lagged in preventing conflicts in different parts of the globe, and it is upon future generations of leaders and lawyers to reimagine mechanisms for peace.”
Winners of Competition
The Chief Guest announced the results and presented awards:
- Winner’s Trophy + ₹50,000 Cash Prize: Ms. Vaanya Sharma and Ms. Akshata Sharma from Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
- Runner-Up Trophy + ₹20,000 Cash Prize: Ms. Jiya Hedav and Mr. Sarthak Singh Chouhan from G.N.L.C., Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
- Best Speaker Award + ₹5,000: Ms. Shranaya Sehgal from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi (sponsored by Mr. Vinod Kapoor, President, Bhartiya Sahitya Bhawan)
In recognition of international participation, a token of appreciation was also presented to the team from Faculty of Law, Far Western University, Nepal.
Academic Publications and Knowledge Sharing
During the event, the university released several publications, including:
- Proceedings of the International Conference
- Ground Report of Project Sankalp 51A@ Mahakumbh
- Two Volumes of the Cognizant Newsletter
- Esteemed Jury and Academic Exchange
The debates were judged by a distinguished panel of academicians and experts from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, South Asian University, National Law University Delhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, Dharamshastra National Law University, Jabalpur, and NIRMA University, among others.
Esteemed Jury and Academic Exchange
The final round of the competition was judged by an eminent panel comprising Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor of Dharamshastra National Law University, Jabalpur, Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, and Prof. Ravindra Pratap, Dean of the Faculty of Legal Studies at South Asian University, Delhi.
The jury commended participants for their clarity of thought, spontaneity, and depth of research, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
Voices from the Organizers
Dr. Neha Dubey, Convener of the Debate and Discussion Club, highlighted that the competition was designed to encourage critical engagement with pressing international issues and to foster a culture of constructive debate.
The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Satya Prakash, Registrar, RPNLU, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, faculty, and students for their support in making the event a success.
A Vision for the Future
The International Debate Competition 2025 not only celebrated the spirit of intellectual exchange but also reaffirmed RPNLU’s vision of preparing young legal minds to tackle global challenges with empathy, reason, and foresight. By uniting students from across regions and institutions, the event showcased the transformative power of dialogue, critical thinking, and collaboration in shaping the future of law, policy, and peace.