Srinagar, October 16: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the University of Kashmir, hosted a spirited debate on the theme, “The House Believes that Urban Living Offers Better Prospects for Quality Life and Livelihoods,” drawing a lively turnout of students from across the Kashmir Division.
A total of 54 students registered for the competition, with 40 actively participating. Representing nearly 20 institutions, including affiliated colleges, SSM College of Engineering, SKUAST-K, and several University of Kashmir departments, the young debaters brought diverse perspectives and energy to the event.
The function was presided over by Dr. G.N. Qasba, Vice Chairman of IIPA J&K Regional Branch. Prof. Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, served as Chief Guest, while Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, Chairman of the Indian Institute of Engineers, J&K Chapter, was the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by the Registrar and Dean Students Welfare of the University, along with eminent personalities including Mr. Farooq Ahmad, former IGP, and Prof. M. Qadiri.
The debate opened with remarks from Khawaja Bashir Ahmad, Prof. M. Qadiri, Mr. G.M. Andrabi, and Mr. Bashir Ahmad Shah. Each participant was allotted five minutes to present their argument, followed by two minutes for audience rebuttals, resulting in rounds of articulate and spirited discussions. Emerging victorious were Ms. Gazifah Mohsin from SKUAST-K, Saaquib from the Department of Law, and Syed Alizah from the Department of Anthropology, who received trophies and cash prizes. The Department of Law of the University of Kashmir secured the prestigious IIPA Trophy, with Saaquib and Noha named Best Team.
The judging panel comprised Prof. Javed Ahmad Dar (Political Science), Prof. Qazi Khursheed (English), and Dr. Mantasha Binti Rashid, JKAS officer, who evaluated participants on content, articulation, and presentation.
In his presidential address, Dr. Qasba highlighted the importance of informed civic debate in shaping urban futures, noting that liveability and sustainability are pressing challenges for cities like Srinagar. Prof. Khan lauded IIPA’s role in amplifying youth voices in public discourse and encouraged students to actively engage with real-world governance issues. She also announced that the University and IIPA would soon sign a memorandum of understanding to promote good governance, knowledge exchange, and youth-focused initiatives.
Er. Iftikhar Ahmad underscored the value of debates and symposia as tools for cultivating critical thinking—a skill increasingly vital as AI and machine learning reshape the job market. He advised participants to anchor future arguments in empirical evidence to strengthen their impact.
Members of IIPA welcomed the Vice Chancellor’s announcement, emphasizing that the upcoming MOU would facilitate programmes of public interest, foster collaboration between academic and civil service institutions, and help bridge gaps for more effective public policy formulation.
Leave a Reply