International debate competition hosted by RPNLU in Prayagraj stimulates discussions on United Nations and worldwide peace

The Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU) in Prayagraj, India, recently hosted the first edition of its International Debate Competition. A total of 28 teams from India and abroad participated in the event, which aimed to encourage critical engagement with pressing international issues and foster a culture of constructive debate.

In her welcome address, Vice Chancellor, Prof (Dr) Usha Tandon emphasized the university's commitment to nurturing platforms that encourage rigorous dialogue. She stated that the competition is a step towards preparing future lawyers to be global citizens.

Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, an Allahabad High Court judge, attended the valedictory session and congratulated the winners. He remarked that it is upon future generations of leaders and lawyers to reimagine mechanisms for peace.

The debate theme was "The UN has failed in maintaining international peace and security". Students presented compelling arguments examining the role of the United Nations in peacebuilding and global conflict resolution.

The final round featured esteemed judges such as Prof (Dr) Manoj Kumar Sinha (Vice Chancellor, DNLU, Jabalpur), Prof (Dr) Devinder Singh (Vice Chancellor, DR Ambedkar NLU, Sonepat), and Prof Ravindra Pratap (Dean, Faculty of Legal Studies, South Asian University, Delhi). The competition was also judged by academicians and experts from institutions such as JNU, University of Delhi, South Asian University, National Law University Delhi, Dr BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, and Nirma University, among others.

Vaanya Sharma and Akshata Sharma from Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla won the Winner's Trophy and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Shranaya Sehgal from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi was conferred the Best Speaker Award, accompanied by a cash prize of ₹5,000. Jiya Hedav and Sarthak Singh Chouhan from GNLC Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore received the Runner-Up Trophy and a cash prize of ₹20,000.

Justice Gupta noted the role of the faculty members and students in the success of the competition. He remarked that it is upon these future leaders and lawyers to reimagine mechanisms for peace.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar, RPNLU, Satya Prakash. RPNLU also released three publications: 'Proceedings of the International Conference', 'Ground report of the Project Sankalp 51A@ Mahakumbh', and two volumes of the Cognizant newsletter. Convener, DDC, Dr Neha Dubey spoke on behalf of the organizing team, emphasizing the competition's aim to encourage critical engagement with pressing international issues and foster a culture of constructive debate.

By bringing together students from diverse regions and academic institutions, the event underscored the role of dialogue, critical thinking, and collaboration in shaping the future of law, policy, and peace.

International debate competition hosted by RPNLU in Prayagraj stimulates discussions on United Nations and worldwide peace