Speaking Out Loud

Updated on: Monday, July 18, 2011

The US Consulate in association with iLead (Institute of Entrepreneurship and Development) staged the first of the Jefferson Debates at the iLead Campus, recently. The series of debate competitions will see students from across the city battle it out over some of today’s most pressing questions. The motion for the opening debate was, ‘Capitalism is a Pre-requisite for a Functioning Democracy’, an issue which allowed students to reflect on the recent changes in West Bengal’s political leadership and the economic challenges that are to be faced. Eight teams of students from Jadavpur University, NSHM, St Xavier’s College, Ashutosh College, Loreto College, iLead and Presidency University participated in it. Moderating the session was Scott E Harman, deputy director of the American Center, and a panel of judges that included Aniek Paul, William Rowland and Sanjeev Nandwani, who assessed the teams on content, style and strategy. Following two rounds of heated and lively argument, guest speaker Yashi Surana of Presidency University who offered his take on the issue in question rounded off the debate. In a tight finish St Xavier’s College clinched first prize, Jadavpur University Team I, and Loreto College tied for first runner-up and Jadavpur University Team II took second runner up, while Somrita Ganguly from Loreto College was awarded 'Best Speaker'. The evening culminated with a live performance by North American band ‘Lim and the Hellhounds’, who entertained the audience with their distinctive mix of rock, reggae, blues and country music.

Speaking Out Loud

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