RPNLU, Prayagraj Hosts Its First International Debate Competition

Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU), through its Debate and Discussion Club (DDC), hosted its first International Debate Competition 2025.

The debate “The U.N. has failed in maintaining international peace and security” competition drew the participation of 28 teams from India and abroad. Students advanced arguments, examining the role of the United Nations in peacebuilding and global conflict resolution. The debates highlighted legal reasoning, analytical skill, and engagement of budding legal minds.

In her welcome address of the Valedictory programme, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon while appreciating the Debate and Discussion Club for its initiative, emphasized the university's commitment to nurturing platforms that encourage dialogue. She noted, “Through Debate and Discussion, engaging with international concerns, tour 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 Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Senior Judge, Allahabad High Court, who congratulated the winners and addressed the gathering with words of inspiration. He emphasised the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Vice Chancellor, whose commitment to academic pursuit and dedication to the growth of the University has culminated in the organisation of such an international event in the very first year of the institution's journey. Justice Gupta also applauded the hard work and commitment of the faculty members and students, noting their role in the competition. Reflecting on the debate theme, he remarked, “Nations are fighting for power, but they have ignored humanity. 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.”

The Chief Guest also declared the results and presented awards and certificates to the winners.The Winner's Trophy and a cash prize of ₹50,000 were awarded to Ms. Vaanya Sharma and Ms. Akshata Sharma from Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla. The Runner-Up Trophy and cash prize of ₹20,000 went to Ms. Jiya Hedav and Mr. Sarthak Singh Chouhan from G.N.L.C., Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. The Best Speaker Award, accompanied by a cash prize of ₹5,000, was conferred upon Ms. Shranaya Sehgal from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi. This winning amount was sponsored by Mr. Vinod Kapoor, President, Bhartiya Sahitya Bhawan. A token of appreciation was also gifted by the University to team participating from Faculty of Law, Far Western University, Nepal.

University also released its publications – Proceedings of the International Conference, Ground report of the Project Sankalp 51A@ Mahakumbh and two volumes of the Cognizant newsletter.

The Competition was judged by a panel of academicians and experts representing institutions such as 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. The presence of such a jury enriched the quality of the competition and provided students with feedback. Particularly, the final round featured Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Dharamshastra National Law University, Jabalpur, Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, and Prof. Ravindra Pratap, Dean, Faculty of Legal Studies, South Asian University, Delhi. The panel lauded the participants' clarity of thought, spontaneity, and in-depth research, while highlighting the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global issues.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing team, Dr. Neha Dubey, Convener, Debate and Discussion Club highlighted that the competition was designed to encourage students to engage with pressing international issues and foster a culture of debate. The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Satya Prakash, Registrar, RPNLUP, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and dignitaries for their encouragement and support.

The International Debate Competition 2025 not only celebrated the spirit of exchange but also addressed contemporary global challenges with reason, empathy, and vision. By bringing together students from diverse regions and academic institutions, the event underscored the role of dialogue, thinking, and collaboration in shaping the future of law, policy, and peace.