Report on

Inter-University Debate Competition

“Debating Gandhi: Is Gandhi Relevant Today?”

Date of Event: October 3^rd and 4^th, 2025

Organised by: Literary Committee, MUIT Lucknow Campus in association with IQAC

Objective:  The Literary Committee of MUIT  Lucknow Campus in association with IQAC, organized a two-day Inter-University Debate Competition on the theme “Debating Gandhi: Is Gandhi Relevant Today?” on the 3rd and 4th October 2025 at the University Auditorium. The event aimed to inspire students to critically engage with the contemporary relevance of Gandhian thought and philosophy. It also sought to promote respect for diverse perspectives while nurturing the spirit of dialogue and democratic values among young minds.

Participating Students: Students from MUIT and other Universities and Colleges.

Event Details: Day One (3rd October 2025) began with Guru Pujan, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Neeraj Jain, Dean  Academics, MUIT  Lucknow Campus.  Hon’ble Chancellor, Shri Ajay Prakash Shrivastava, joined virtually and remained connected throughout the event. Dignitaries and judges, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta (HOD, Political Science, University of Lucknow) and Mr. Arjun Dwivedi (State Head, GNS News), were introduced and felicitated. Participants then presented their arguments with conviction, quoting relevant facts and references. The audience was deeply engaged as speakers debated Gandhi’s moral and ideological legacy, exploring themes such as non-violence, untouchability, power, and village-based economy. Judges Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Sarita Verma, and Dr. Shikhar Verma evaluated the debaters and also praised the participants’ confidence and clarity. At the end of the first round, the top twelve participants were shortlisted for the final round. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh (Astt. Prof., MSOH).

Day Two (4th October 2025) featured the grand finale, commencing with a welcome address by Dr. Kanu Priya Verma (Assoc. Prof., MSOSH). The twelve finalists were divided into two teams—for and against the motion—who presented their views with depth and conviction. Professor Umesh Singh (Department of History, University of Lucknow, Lucknow) graced the event as the Chief Guest and External Judge, alongside Dr. Sandhya Sinha (Dean, MSOBM) and Dr. Mridula Singh (Head Librarian[d1] , MUIT Lucknow Campus) from MUIT as Internal Judges. After a closely contested round, Aryan Mishra (BBAU, Lucknow) won the first prize, Manas Bajpai (University of Lucknow, Lucknow) secured second, and Swarnima Shukla (MUIT Lucknow Campus) achieved third place. All participants, along with student volunteers, received certificates of appreciation, while winners were awarded mementos, certificates, and cash prizes.

Hon’ble Chancellor, Shri Ajay Prakash Shrivastava, congratulated the participants and emphasized the importance of such events in enhancing communication and analytical skills. The competition concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ram Prakash Dixit. The debate successfully encouraged critical reflection on Gandhian philosophy and enriched the university’s academic environment.

The event was organised by the Literary Committee (MUIT Lucknow Campus) led by Dr. Vijay Srivastava as the Convener and Co-Convenor Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, along with members- Dr. Madhu Gupta, Dr. Sharvan Kumar, Dr. Hansa Johari, Dr. Shilpa Tewari, and Ms. Saumya Srivastava.

Students’ feedback: External participants thoroughly enjoyed their experience at MUIT Lucknow Campus. This opportunity boosted confidence and created awareness among the youth about current social, political, and global issues in reference to Gandhian Philosophy.

Acknowledgements: We extend our gratitude to our external judges, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Professor Umesh Singh, and Hon'ble Chancellor Shri Ajay Prakash Shrivastava, for their gracious presence and valuable contribution, which was highly encouraging for one and all.   We also express our gratitude to Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr.) Bhanu Pratap Singh, Registrar Dr. Girish Chhimwal, and Dean Academics Dr. Neeraj Jain, for their guidance and support. Thanks also to Senior Administrative Officer Dr. Rajesh Singh, the IT Team, and support staff for their contribution to the event's success.