RPNLU Prayagraj International Debate Competition sparks dialogue on UN and global peace

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

The Chief Guest 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 Vaanya Sharma and Akshata Sharma from Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla.

The Runner-Up Trophy and cash prize of ₹20,000 went to Jiya Hedav and Sarthak Singh Chouhan from GNLC Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore.

The Best Speaker Award, accompanied by a cash prize of ₹5,000, was conferred upon Shranaya Sehgal from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi.

This winning amount was sponsored by President, Bhartiya Sahitya Bhawan, Vinod Kapoor. A token of appreciation was also gifted by the University to the team from the Faculty of Law, Far Western University, Nepal.

The valedictory session was attended by Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, who congratulated the winners. Justice Gupta noted the role of the faculty members and students in the success of the competition.

Reflecting on the debate's 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.”

In her welcome address at the valedictory programme, Vice Chancellor, RPNLU, Prof (Dr) Usha Tandon, while appreciating the Debate and Discussion Club for its pioneering initiative, emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing platforms that encourage rigorous dialogue.

“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 debate on the theme “The UN has failed in maintaining international peace and security” drew the participation of 28 teams from India and abroad.

Students advanced compelling arguments, examining the role of the United Nations in peacebuilding and global conflict resolution. The debates highlighted the depth of legal reasoning, analytical skill, and critical engagement of budding legal minds.

RPNLU 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 an eminent and diverse panel of academicians and experts representing institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (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.

The final round featured Vice Chancellor, Dharamshastra National Law University, Jabalpur, Prof (Dr) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Dr. BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, Prof (Dr) Devinder Singh, and Dean, Faculty of Legal Studies, South Asian University, Delhi, Prof Ravindra Pratap.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing team, Convener, DDC, Dr Neha Dubey highlighted that the competition was designed to encourage students to critically engage with pressing international issues and foster a culture of constructive debate.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar, RPNLU, Satya Prakash.

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.

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