ICPR Sponsored report
The Department of English, NGM College, Pollachi organized and conducted ICPR Sponsored Debate competitions with philosophical themes as outreach program for UG level students. The program was organized to acquaint the students with philosophical knowledge and awareness in line with the spirit of NEP and its emphasis on introduction and popularization of philosophy in Schools and
Colleges.
On 25th November 2022 the department hosted a debate on “Is philosophy of Nonviolence relevant in this contemporary society?” The Moderator for the debate was Dr. V. Ramanathan, Assistant Professor of English Government Arts College, Udumalpet. The discussions touched on areas ranging from Gandhian ideologies and peace campaigns to protest movements, international terrorism and a variety of current issues.
Speakers in the debate on “Tagore’s Ideals of Universal Brotherhood” on 28th November took on the affirmative and negative of Tagore’s humanism. The Moderator Dr. R. Chandrasekar, Associate Professor of English, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore rounded up students’ multiple perspectives on Tagore’s philosophy of life.
The 15 debate teams comprised of students from Sri GVG Visalakshi College for Women, Udumalpet, Saraswathi Thyagaraja College, Pollachi, Government Arts College, Coimbatore and NGM College, Pollachi. They displayed enthusiasm, eloquence and good argumentative skills.
The debates started with a 2-minute presentation followed by discussion and summary. The moderators gave their constructive feedback and announced the results. Winners in the top three places received cash price of 500 INR, 300 INR and 200 INR each.
As a Minor Academic Event sanctioned by Indian Council of Philosophical Research, Ministry of Education, the debate competitions succeeded in imbuing philosophical temperament in the students. Both the debate team students and the audience came away learning about values that were relevant to their lives inside and outside of college.