Debating societies in Delhi University: Which side are you on?

Debating doesn’t only mean good speaking skills. As the debating societies of Delhi University (DU) show, it’s also about personality development, experience and learning.

If you’ve participated in debates before, you’re probably no stranger to the heated arguments, the quick interjections, repartee, and the intellectual flair. Well, if you wish to take your skills forward, the debating societies of Delhi University (DU) offer you just the right platform.

Debating helps a student become more spontaneous, and capable of handling all sorts of situations. (Shivam Saxena/HT Photo)

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Sankalp Luthra, the elected representative of Kirori Mal College’s (KMC) Debating Society, believes that debating is more than just general knowledge and good speaking skills. He says, “It’s also about learning, gaining experience and personality development.”

Debating societies in Delhi University follow the Asian Parliamentary format, in which teams of three members compete with each other. Seen here, a debating session at Hindu College. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT Photo)

The societies ensure this personality enrichment and exposure in numerous ways. One of the most popular being, the outstation competitions. Participants are sent to college fests all over the country, where they get a chance to dabble in various formats of debating. Kashish Minocha, president of the English Debating Society of Sri Venkateswara College, says, “Outstation events, especially in colleges of south India, are very important as each one has its own specialty.” These events also act as ice-breakers for freshers, and help them foster relationships with the seniors.

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Not only do the students excel at public speaking, but they are also better prepared at handling tough situations in life. “It involves a lot of reading and learning. This added knowledge also helps us write exams,” says Harshita Madan, member of QED, the debating society of Gargi College.

The societies also provide the comfort of close-knit friendships and familial bonding. Anubhav Chakraborty, president of the English Debating Society of Hindu College, says, “These societies provide a sense of belonging, especially to outstation students, as you end up spending a lot of time together.”